Meet multi-talented nine-year-old Millica Pelser, a learner at Laerskool Kruinsig in Kempton Park.
Pelser recently represented South Africa in the Freestyles World Championships at Blackpool, England.
With her mesmerising moves, she captured the judges’ eyes and achieved second position in the hip-hop dance category.
Millica said representing her country was a blessing.
ALSO READ: Help raise funds for a local dancer to take part in UK championships
“The world should know that we don’t stand back for anything. I wear my national colours with pride. I worked really hard and having to see my sweat pay off was one of the most fulfilling and blessed moments of my life.”
Millica was introduced to dancing by her mother and she described dancing as dreaming with her feet.
She started before she was two.
“I dance and practise every day, not because I have to, but because I want to. When I dance I always know that I have a very good chance of winning because my love to dance is the reason why I compete.
“Dancing is a complete part of my life. I love to perform and it makes me very happy.”
She said what separates her from other dancers is her personality and her sass.
Millica said when she competed at the championship against the other dancers, she was excited yet nervous but once she got on stage the fear disappeared.
ALSO READ: Local dancer set to represent SA at championships held in UK
She said she improves her skills by being persistent.
“I keep practising and my moves get better daily. I also sustain my body by being flexible and fit.
“The competition has not only taught me that nothing is impossible and that if I work hard I can do anything through the work of God and His grace! He protects us everywhere we go, she added.”
Not only is she a multi-talented Grade Four learner, but she is also a member of the A team for netball and hockey.
She is also training for the athletics season starting next year.
Millica will also take part in her school concert, which will take part in performing arts competitions throughout August and September.
Millica told the Kempton Express that her mother had mixed emotions when she was crowned.
According to her mother, Sulize Pelser, her daughter is not only dedicated to dance but is also dedicated to her academics as she has achieved an average of 91.5% for her second term.
ALSO READ: Bonaero dancers take to the stage
“I was a dancer myself for 20 years. I enrolled her at Dance Inspiration Dance Academy at the age of 19 months and she won her first South African Championship at the age of seven.”
Sulize said she ensures that her daughter maintains a balance between her school work and enjoying some free time, playing and having fun like any other nine-year-old.
“Millica manages her time very closely by splitting the training sessions with support from her school in collaboration with her dance school.
“She has a huge support system from her school and studies in her break times that she gets in between training for all her activities,” she said.
Sulize added that it is important to her to support her daughter’s dreams and hobbies because it completely boosts her self-esteem and teaches her to chase any dream she has.
It also develops her key skills, keeps her motivated and gives her the opportunity to express herself.
