Thirteen-year-old Xenè Fowlds’ dream became a reality when she recently competed in the World Freestyle Championships held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, in the United Kingdom.
This happened after she qualified for the championships last year (GCN, May 26, “Dawnview dancer heads for Blackpool”).
Xenè achieved third place in the u-14 Slow Dance category at the championships.
“Freestyle dancing consists of solo and slow dance and she also made it to the semi-finals in the solo dance section,” said Xenè’s mother, Jana.
“I am very proud of her because it was her first time competing in the world championships and she managed to secure a podium position.”
The Dawnview dancer said it still hasn’t sunk in yet.
“I still can’t believe that I placed third in such a big competition,” said Xenè.
“It is my first time and I did it well, I am very proud of myself.”
Xenè competed against over 120 dancers from around the world.
“There were 96 dancers in the slow dance and 120 for the solo dance, so one had to really stand out to be noticed,” said Xenè.
“Every heat has about 13 dancers at a time and you really had to impress, for the judges to notice you.
“I had to adjust to a few things because the floor was bigger than our floors at home. Furthermore, the music is super loud and there were 30 judges on the floor which is many more than the seven we are used to in South Africa.
“It is easy to feel intimidated by such a big event but I remembered what my dance teacher, Keziah “Lady Keziah” van Vreden told me.
“She said I shouldn’t feel intimidated because I have to make them feel intimidated.
“Overall, I enjoyed the experience. It was really great and I am definitely going back next year.”
Xenè said she wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support she received.
“Thank you to David Jones who helped me with my solo dance routine, Steve Noall for the slow dance and to Keziah for helping me put everything together. Thank you to all my sponsors, family and friends for making the trip possible and everyone who supported me. I truly appreciate it.”
Jana said she had been worried about Xenè’s performance because she had a lot going on before heading to Blackpool.
“A week before the championships, my father, Neville Eatwell, passed away and it was a shock for all of us,” said Jana.
“Xenè was busy with exams and had to deal with the loss of her grandfather. I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to focus at the championships but she managed to pull through all those emotions and succeeded.
“She took third place with an 80 per cent average, which is good and a big relief because she was going to have to take a break from dancing to focus on her school work in which she had not performed well.
“She proved to us that she is able to prioritise.”
The youngster is already preparing for next year’s competition.
“Xenè has already qualified to compete in next year’s world championships,” said Jana.
“Her qualification came as a result of placing third in this year’s competition.
” Xenè loves dancing so much that she wants to compete at all the qualifying competitions this year.”
Xenè is already back in training.
“The dancers there are insane and very talented so I want to up my game for next year,” said Xenè.
“I just took a two-week break and am back at it again.
“I am going to compete at the Classique Freestyle Championships to be held at Maragon Private School, in Ruimsig, on July 22,” she said.
Also read:
Help Dawnview dancer realise her dream
Delville dancer shines at World Freestyle Championships
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