Performing arts youth off to LA
JOBURG - Some 120 young actors, singers, musicians, dancers, models and a variety of other artists who competed in the 2015 South African Championships of Performing Arts are now off to Los Angeles for the World Championships of Performing Arts.
The event, which has been running for 18 years, is cited as the official Talent Olympics for aspiring performers and entertainers and is the only one of its kind held annually in Hollywood.
One of the coaches of the group, Corlanie Botha said, “All 120 gold medalists clinched sought-after positions in the South African team competing in this years’ World Championships of Performing Arts in Long Beach, California from 10 to 19 July.”
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Dr Ellen Roux, who has been running the South African event since the inception of the world championship, commented on the trip. “An opportunity of this nature comes to a very special few and we hope that the South African team will have the experience of a lifetime,” she said.
A total of 1 600 contestants from over 50 countries are expected to participate. Contestants can look forward to interacting with performers from other countries, the opportunity of being spotted by top talent scouts, as well as receiving about R3 million worth of scholarships.
Scholarships include R300 000 from the renowned Millennium Dance Complex (frequented by stars such as Justin Timberlake and Usher), R1.5 million from the New York Film Academy, and R2 million from the New York Conservatory for Film and Television.
Each entrant in the six-category event comprising dancing, acting, singing, modelling, instrumental and a variety arts is allowed one minute to show off their talent. Celebrity judges who have been honoured with an induction into the Performing Arts Hall of Fame at this prestigious global event include Dianne Warwick, Liza Minnelli, Michael Bolton, Ann-Margaret, Jaclyn Smith, Dolly Parton and Justin Chambers.
Over 100 judges from the entertainment industry will be involved before the main prizes, gold medals, official world champion trophies and plaques and scholarships are awarded, including the top coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World.
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