On the Move Dance Academy are on the up and up after securing themselves a chance to take their talents abroad.
After taking part in the DanceStar South Africa competition on 2 November, four crew members from the Midrand-based dance academy qualified to represent South Africa in Croatia.
The academy’s founder Motshidisi Mbatha explained how it all started. She said her son loves to dance, so she looked for a dance academy but could not find one in Midrand. “I, therefore, decided that instead of going outside looking for a dance club for him, why not get someone to come and teach dance in Midrand that will help other kids including my son?
“We are going for two years now. We have taken part in four competitions so far – one of which is DanceStar South Africa, which we qualified in after coming in fourth position enabling us to go to Croatia, in May next year.”
Mbatha added that for them to qualify for Croatia they had to compete with 13 dance crews. “The results were great considering the fact that we are a new dance crew. We took part in the competition four months after establishing the group in 2018, to which we did not qualify, then went again this year and qualified to go to Croatia but because of finances most of our dancers could not go.
“Luckily after trying again, with perseverance, next year four of our dancers will be going on tour,” she added.
The academy’s four crew members who will be competing overseas expressed their joy.
Tshembo Baloyi spoke about her experience at the DanceStar finals, “When we went back to compete again, I was already familiar with the competition and all one has to do is just enjoy themselves on stage.
“I did have a bit of a challenge with moving, my coach told me that I need to move more because in some of the photos taken of me and my crew I was caught in positions where my crew was ahead of me a bit.”
Modisha Mabitsi, also a crew member, added that he started dancing when he was young. As soon as he heard his friend’s mom was starting a dance studio, he joined them to learn some new moves. “I wanted to be stylish with the moves and so far it has been good. We have been in four competitions and now my friends and I have made it to Croatia.”
Malibongwe Mbatha added that he felt great and happy to go dance in Croatia, “We had challenges at practice with putting in energy but we managed to fix it at the end.” he added.
Liyanda Mayekiso explained, “When I joined I was a bit rusty, I was not really good at my dancing but the coach really helped me to get used to the dancing.
“With watching a few videos and practice I think I am better. I am still learning, but I think our team is the best. I am excited about being nominated to go compete in Croatia.
“It is like a dream come true.”
Related Article:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/211055/black-asian-ballet-dancers-can-now-find-shoes-match-skin-tone/
