Norscot resident and Fourways High School learner Micaela Mans (14) recently participated in the Talent Africa National Online Competition, walking away with silver and gold medals and qualifying to represent South Africa in three different countries next year.
Micaela, who has been dancing for two and a half years, said she was honoured to have been selected to represent her country overseas.”I have a passion for dance and love how you can express your emotions without words but through movement,” she said.
She participates in a number of different forms of dance at the Ministry of Dance in North Riding. Some of these include acro (acrobatic dance), contemporary, modern, ballet and lyrical. Her medal-winning performances were in lyrical and acro dance.
Micaela added that the lockdown restrictions have proved a challenge for her and her fellow dancers, who were only able to return to the studio over the past two weeks. “It’s hard to do some of the dances in small spaces at home, but some things like stretching are easier because I now have more time.”The competition required dancers to submit pre-recorded videos of their dances, which were presented to judges on the event day.
Micaela performed her dances on the grass outside at her home in Norscot.She received much praise on the Fourways High School Facebook page, where she was commended for her achievement by the school.
Acrobatics teacher at Ministry of Dance Veronica Scott said, “Micaela has been working really hard since last year and always gives of her best in class. She performed really well under the circumstances. I’m very proud of her and can’t wait to see her represent South Africa next year.”
She now has the option of competing in America, Croatia or Spain next year, though the details of these competitions are unclear at present due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
