Glitz and Glamour at Merensky MDDA gala evening

A variety of excellent items were showcased, whereafter the annual prize giving ceremony took place.

In the Latin NRG and Classics sections, the following dancers were the outstanding achievers: Jeandré Joubert, best entertainer in dancing, Ulrich Greeff, most versatile dancer, John Slabber received a performer's award, Bonita Jacobs, Nicole Muller, best rounded dancer, and Rynard Mitchell, most improved dancer.

The final Thrilling Tuesday of 2017 was hosted by Merensky High School’s MDDA on October 17.

Mari Weber with Suandrie Corbett, who was named the best all-rounder for 2017.

In the Modern Dance section, Amelia Middleton, Jenna Devenish and Hayley Stephenson received certificates for completing a full 12 year stint with tutor, Celia Duvenhage. Hayley was also awarded 1st place, Tenia Albertyn took 2nd place and Jenna was placed 3rd. Renate Botha was awarded the title: Best Progress During 2017.

Renate Botha was awarded the Best Progress in 2017 title for her hard work on the dance scene.

On the Drama scene the award for best progress went to Ulrich Greeff, while Kevin van den Bergh took the honours for comedy and Lize Crafford for dramatic work. Suandrie Corbett received the trophy for overall best performance at the Tzaneen Eisteddfod from their drama tutor, Mari Weber.

Lize Crafford, best dramatic work, Mari Weber, Suandrie Corbett, overall best performance at the Tzaneen Eisteddfod, and Ulrich Greeff, best drama.

In the exciting Latin NRG and Classics section presented by Bonita Jacobs, newcomer Rynard Mitchell showed best improvement.

Genevieve Booyse, Suandrie Corbett, Judi Fleischmann, best attendance, Amy Selfe, best endurance, and Ikne Stücki, outstanding attitude.

After performing a stunning dance item, it was no wonder Nicole Muller received the award for best rounded dancer of 2017.

Anize Basson was the best student from teacher, Berthie Greyling. Right: Mari Weber.

Ulrich Greeff was named as the most versatile dancer, while Jeandré Joubert carries the title of best entertainer.

Janco Blignaut, best piano player, Suandrie Corbett, best music theory, Ingrid Linde and Theodora Livingstone, violin award.

Well known dancer, John Slabber received a well deserved performance award.

Celia Duvenhage with Tenia Albertyn, who was named the second-best dancer of the year.

On the music scene, Mareli van der Walt awarded Heinrich Schultz as most promising saxophone player, while Suandrie Corbett received an award as flutist. Guitarist Tian Viljoen made the best progress, while Jaco van Staden was honoured as top guitar achiever. Riëtte Warmenhoven was named best vocalist.

Amelia Middleton, Hayley Stephenson and Jenna Devenish received an award for completing a full 12 year stint with their tutor, Celia Duvenhage, far left. Hayley also received the award for best dancer of the year.

Ingrid Linde awarded Suandrie Corbett the trophy for music theory and talented Janco Blignaut received the award for best piano player. Larisa Vogel was honoured for best improvement with Theodora Livingstone receiving a trophy for her accomplishment on the violin.

Vocal trainer for the past two years, Bobbi Gerber also bid farewell to the MDDA during this event. She announced Cara Mia Baker to be the top vocal student, while Jordin Young showed the most potential.

On the art scene Anize Basson received the trophy for the best student from Berthie Greyling. Mianke Badenhorst was honoured for her commitment and Leola Visagie showed the best improvement.

Dance surely is alive and well at Plasieland, as was proven by the final ballet awards. Genevieve Booyse presented a thrilled Amy Selfe with a certificate for best endurance and a trophy for good performance.

Steph Marie de Lange was named most improved dancer and also received a trophy for best junior.

Judi Fleischmann’s certificate stated best attendance and her trophy read: Most Improved Dancer. The award for best senior dancer was made to Suandrie Corbett. Ikne Stucki “stuck” it out, and received a certificate for outstanding attitude.

The final award, Best All-rounder, for the second year deservedly went to Suandrie Corbett. This talented Plasie definitely used all the opportunities the MDDA offered in 2017 by doing drama, flute, ballet and music theory.