Dance duo aim for the stars

TWO local dancers are hoping to fly the South African flag high at this year’s World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. La Lucia’s Jemma van Breda and Glen Anil’s Emmitt Cawley will be among the more than 2 500 performers attending this year’s event. But this does not daunt the Crawford College La Lucia pupils, who are confident ahead of the global competition.

To qualify for the world champs, competitors had to win at least one gold medal in the South African Championships of Performing Arts, which was a 10-day event encompassing dance, drama, singing, musical talent, variety arts and modelling.

Emmitt was crowned the overall SA Championships of Performing Arts Grand champion, while Jemma van Breda was crowned the overall winner in the category of Variety Arts.

The duo will be performing in individual categories but also as a dance duet.

“Emmitt is like my other half, he’s my best friend and the best dance partner. It’s rare to find a dance partner who you can trust so completely. I’d never competed at the SA champs, but it was because of Emmitt, who suggested I should enter. The competition was really tough and my goal was to do my best. I must admit I was quite surprised being crowned the overall winner (in Variety Arts) but I was extremely happy with my performances.

“I’m really nervous about performing in LA but I’m also excited. We want to show just how talented South Africans are. I’d love to be in the top five, but my goal is definitely to aim for the top,” she said.

Jemma will be competing in 16 categories (both as a solo artist and as a duet) and said her journey would not have been possible without the support of her parents, peers and dance partner, Emmitt.

“It’s hard to put into words, but it is just amazing to have the support of people you love behind you all the way. My mom especially has been my rock throughout this journey, and without her I don’t think this would have happened,” she said.

Emmitt echoed Jemma’s thoughts, and said he was excited about going back to the USA.

“The last time I was in the States I was invited to the American Academy of Ballet, which was an awesome experience. It’s rare to find a gem like Jemma; ask any dancer and they’ll tell you that to find a partner who is pretty much your soulmate on the dance floor is few and far between. Personally, looking ahead at the competition, my goal isn’t to win – which would be great, don’t get me wrong – but for me it’s about the opportunity to showcase my skills and perhaps be scouted,” he said.

The world champs, 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, the entertainment capital of the world, and will take place on 17 July.