Durban teen takes dance dreams to the USA

A YOUNG Durban dancer will be jetting off to Orlando, USA, this year after making it through the stages of the Summer Heat Model and Talent Search competition.

Shameez Jacobs, (16), started her dancing journey in 2006 when she was a tender six years old.

“Ever since I was in my mum’s womb, beats of songs always made me kick or move inside. When I was younger, a song with a good beat always made me want to move, whether it be my shoulders or any other part of my body. I started because my passion for dance partly came from my inspiration, Chris Brown. Dancing always makes me happy,” she said.

Last year Shameez, who previously danced with Apeiron Dance Academy, heard about the competition which gives people in South Africa the chance to live their dreams in the arts industry.

RELATED: Hard work ensures a bright future for teen singer

“My passion for dance and the arts field made me enter. One of the parents in my old dance academy suggested that I enter this competition and when I heard that I could go to America if I made a certain level, I immediately got excited and knew that this was for me because my dream is to travel to America to dance with Chris Brown in his videos and act in a dance movie like Step Up. This could actually happen if I put my mind to it because I believe dreams do come true,” she said.

Shameez said when she signed up for Summer Heat Model and Talent Search, she was also asked to enter for modelling, and although she had never modelled in her life, she decided to go for it.

“I was chosen for the three categories I entered and then, apart from being chosen locally, you are able to get chosen internationally by a person who works at Just You Model and Artist Management.”

“I was scouted for two of the three categories I had entered for, dancing and modelling. I was then invited to participate in the International Arts Talent Showcase at Silverstar Casino in Johannesburg in October where the international scout, Kim Myers, chooses who she wants to perform on her stage in Orlando, Florida in 2017. This was round two and in the end I got a call back saying that I made it to the third round and would be going to America,” she said.

In America, Shameez will be performing in front of different directors of different companies, some being Universal Studios, New York Film Academy, and Step up directors.

“I am super excited for this journey ahead and at the same time, very nervous.”

“Unfortunately, when I heard that I got a call back to go to America, I was unable to attend the finals of the Summer Heat Model and Talent Search because the costs were too high. In January, I attended a boot camp with Just You Model and Artist Management to help prepare me for the Applause Rising Talent Showcase 2017 in America. In April I attended another boot camp so I am fully prepared for the competition in July,” she said.

ALSO READ: Manor Gardens teen takes on home invaders

Her success has astounded her, and she is eternally grateful for the opportunities she has been given. “I literally cried my eyes out when I got the phone call at 2am because I’ve never had such a huge opportunity like this. I could not stop praying and thanking the Lord for all he’s done because I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Him,” she said.

The rising young star says she has never been overseas and is extremely excited about leaving on 28 July.

“I look forward to seeing all the tourist attractions, the shops, the people, taking part in the competition, experiencing the different climate and just being on a whole new continent!” she said.

Shameez is a learner at Durban Girls’ High School and said besides dancing, her other hobbies include listening to music, jogging and exercising as well as socialising with family and friends.