Dancer dazzles at world cup
She finished in the top 10 in her categories.
Boksburg dancer Janè van Niekerk (22) dazzled the Prague Congress Centre main stage during the Dance World Cup Finals in Prague, Czech Republic, from June 27 to July 6.
Van Niekerk, adept at contemporary, modern and hip-hop, finished the competition as one of the top dancers in her category.
“It was an experience of a lifetime. Every second was worth it. I met many people and dancers from different countries and also got to have a new dance environment experience.
“I also met famous choreographers from around the world. We did workshops with Dane Bates from the UK, Abby Lee Miller from Pittsburgh and Hope Maimane from South Africa. Getting this opportunity and exposure is just indescribable,” she said.
Van Niekerk represented South Africa in the senior jazz solo, where she came sixth overall out of 28 dancers. She also competed in the senior lyrical solo and placed 10th out of 37 competitors to end the event in the top 10 in both categories.
“I cannot express my gratitude for the moment they called the top six to stand with their country’s flags in front of everyone. It was a moment I will always cherish. For this experience, I can say this made me realise why I love dancing. I would not be here if it were not for my mom and my dance teacher.”
The dancer advised those who want to make it to the world to set clear goals and stick to them, even when things do not go according to plan.
“In my years of dancing, I always believed in not expecting too much from myself when things get tough. Qualifying to dance internationally against different countries is way more challenging. Set up a goal for yourself and what you want to achieve. From there, you build and grow,” said Van Niekerk.
The Höerskool Oosterlig alumna, also a dance teacher, started dancing when she was four. Her mother, Wilma, the owner of the Studio7 Dance School in Sunward Park, taught her.
“She accomplished outstanding results in numerous competitions in the 18 years she has been a dancer,” said Wilma.
She added, “We are proud of her. She went into the finals to accomplish what she worked hard for”.
Van Niekerk was part of the country’s top four dancers, including duos, trios and groups, in different age groups and across styles who represented the country at the world’s largest dance competition.
The competition attracted 9 500 competitors from 54 countries. South Africa finished eighth overall with nine gold, 10 silver and nine bronze medals.
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