Zanda Isaacs (19) has been selected by the director of Arts Talent, Kim Meyer, to represent South Africa in the International Applause Rising Talent Showcase (Arts) Convention in Orlando, Florida, this July. Isaacs will participate in several categories, such as song, contemporary dance and commercial modelling.
This opportunity will sky rocket this Northcliff resident’s career as the Arts Convention is not merely a competition, but an educational experience with a week-long series of workshops, which is led by industry professionals. Talent scouts and agents from BET, Icon Model Management, Tyler Perry Studios, Sony BMG, Universal Records and Disney will be present and on the look out. Isaacs aims to be spotted by Sony BMG.
“I have been working extremely hard, attending extra dance and acting classes and practising every moment I can,” said Isaacs. In addition, Isaacs has been awarded a partial scholarship to study musical theatre and film at the New York Film Academy at the start of January 2017.
Although this will not be her first time on an international stage, as Isaacs has performed around Europe with the KZN Youth Choir and in Namibia with the Wits Choir, it will be Isaacs first solo performance on an international stage and her first time in the United States. Isaacs has dabbled in the arts since she was nine. She initially joined in the artistic extra-mural activities at school and her mother encouraged her to attend musical, gymnastics and drama classes.
“I hope to encourage countless other young South Africans, especially girls and push them to believe that where you start and come from, does not determine where you will end in life. That there is nothing wrong with pursuing the arts if you work hard enough at it. Talent is not enough, in fact, I believe it is possibly one of the lesser important factors of success. Over and above talent, what really counts is passion, motivation, hard work, confidence and a whole lot of practice, patience and kindness,” Isaacs added.
Isaacs is excited and grateful for the opportunity but still needs to raise funds for her flight. If anyone is interested to sponsor Isaacs, contact her on isaacszanda@gmail.com
Details: Zanda Isaacs, isaacszanda@gmail.com
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