International stage beckons Michela
Young dancer needs sponsorship to compete in international dance competition.
She has big dreams and an even bigger talent to take her to the top.
Michela Perdichizzi (21), a popping animation dancer (hip hop) from Primrose, has the chance to grace an international stage if she can raise the funds.
The self-taught young woman started competing at the age of 11. Her first competition was one at school, which she won hands down.
“When she was small she used to dance like a ‘stokmannetjie’, she was so stiff,” said her mom, Marinda.
“I told her to loosen up and she then went off and started practising in her bedroom and learnt by watching movies.”
One day Michela came to Marinda and her dad José (who both used to dance) and said she wanted to show them how she could dance.
“We couldn’t believe how much she had improved and how beautifully she could dance,” Marinda said.
The family has only lived in Primrose for a year. They previously lived in a number of different parts of the country so Michela completed her matric through home schooling.
She has also recently entered the job market and is working at a sport shoe retail store in Linksfield.
“I taught myself by watching music videos – I was a huge fan of Chris Brown and wanted to dance just like he does.
“I also watch YouTube videos and learn from them,” said Michela.
“As our family has never had much money, and my parents couldn’t afford to send me to a dance studio for training, this was the best way to learn.”
In fact the first time Michela ever walked into a studio was when she was 17.
“I danced for the studio and they immediately invited me to join the crew, which I did for a time. Later, I decided I prefer to do solos and to work by myself,” Michela said.
These days Michela competes in quite a number of competitions where she wows people with her talent.
“On July 22, I competed in a competition in Roodepoort and took first place in my section,” she said.
“A few days later I was contacted by Talent Africa and was told I had been selected to compete in the Dance Fest Novi SAD taking place in Serbia.”
The competition, which takes place from November 14 to 21, would be a huge stepping stone for Michela and help her get her name known in the industry.
Previously she was also invited to compete at the Dance World Cup in Germany but, due to a lack of funds, she couldn’t go.
Funds are once again a problem for the youngster.
She needs to raise R30 000 in order to take part.
The family is trying to come up with ways to raise funds.
“I am appealing to the community and local businesses to sponsor me and help me realise this dream,” Michela said.
“To compete would mean more to me than anyone will ever know.
“It would be a life-changing experience.”
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Michela added she is extremely excited and feels privileged that they chose her to be part of the South African team.
“When I dance I express myself and my feelings. It is like my own type of meditation,” she said.
Michela wants to open a dance studio one day and teach children from less privileged backgrounds.
“I know what it’s like to grow up less privileged and not be able to attend a studio. Many children have talent – they just have nowhere to nurture it,” she said.
When she is not dancing, Michela loves to take part in sport, listen to music and spend time with her friends.
Her parents and siblings, Simoné (24) and Romano (18), support her dancing dream.
If you can help Michela attend the international dance competition in Serbia, email her at michelaperdichizzi@gmail.com
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