Stepping Out Dance Academy celebrated their 10th year of dancing on Tuesday and Wednesday evening last week. The first night brought the dancers to the stage to entertain the community; and on Wednesday night, the dancers performed for parents, family and friends at a glamorous gala event.
Dance instructor Marina de Beer opened the evening with a heartfelt speech, saying: “This year we celebrate 10 years of dancing; 10 years of passion; 10 years of dedication; 10 years of growth; 10 years of hard work; and endless fun in our studios. It wasn’t easy, believe me, we had a lot of ups and downs, but it was worth it at the end of the day. Dancing teaches you a lot of things: commitment, determination, dedication, teamwork, taking care of your bodies, and working under pressure. These are all things our students will take with them one day when they become adults. To work with children daily is such a blessing, but it can also be very draining on us as teachers – not only physically but emotionally too.
“Weekly, we have our little dancers’ emotions because they can’t understand why they can’t have the PINK tutu this week. They had it last week, so why can’t they have it this week?
“We have our Grade 1 students who are overwhelmed by all the new routines and discipline that is going on. Because last year, all they did was play.
“We have our bigger girls who are trying to figure out where they fit in. Are they good at sport, are they good at hockey or netball, and are they good at school? Or are they good in dance or gymnastics? And boy-oh-boy, don’t even mention the homework to them!
“Then we have our teens. My-oh-my, those teens! What can I say about those horrible demons that run their lives? Ek noem dit demone want ons kan dit defnitief nie hormone noem nie.
“And then we have our senior girls. They know exactly what is expected of them. They just show up for class and do what needs to be done. And yet, we expect them to be kids. The pressure on today’s children is enormous. But I also feel proud of them because no matter what, they show up and do their best.”
Marina thanks all the sponsors who contributed to the success of the evening, as well as during the year.
ALSO READ: Local dancers to compete in national competition
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
