Local performer makes podium at the world champs

Following Jan-Rudolf Britz’s exceptional performance at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles last year, New York is all but a blink away for this Hoërskool Randburg matric learner.

He received several medals – but at the top of the pile is a scholarship to study at the New York Film Academy for three years. Along with this, he has also been afforded the opportunity to attend the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts Summer School.

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At the championships in Los Angeles, he performed drama (dramatic and contemporary), dance (tap), and modelling. Jan-Rudolf achieved a podium position with each of his four items and won silver and bronze medals in drama items, and gold medals for dance and modelling items.

He was also invited to the semi-final round with his modelling and dance items. He competed against everyone above 15 years in the senior division and was chosen for the gala evening. At the show, which was broadcast worldwide, he was named as one of the top three senior male models of the competition. He was appointed as the overall senior division winner for dance (tap) and modelling (commercial formal).

He explained that the competition is a perfect opportunity to meet performers from around the world and compare your skills against those of the best.

“I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to forge friendships with like-minded performers through the week, where we were not only in competition with each other, but were also offered numerous workshops presented by industry professionals. It was a privilege to represent my country and I am really pleased with my achievements. I had a number of talent scouts contacting me to pursue further career possibilities.”

Jan-Rudolf started dancing when he was 12 years. He said that although this is traditionally quite late to start, he had a passion for rhythm. His dancing dramatically improved when he started understanding that to perform on stage, he has to not only do a technical repetition of what was done in class but add personality and style to give the best performance.

“I recently turned 18 and was the youngest competitor in the 18–24 categories, so really had to bring my best performance on the day. I could only compete successfully knowing that I had something unique to bring to the competition, dance my heart out, and remember everything I was taught in class.”

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He added that dancing gives him the possibility to be mentally stimulated while being physically active. He loves the rhythms that tap dancing challenges him to interpret with fancy footwork.

“Even though the performing arts provide many lucrative career opportunities, I am steadfast that it must remain fun. It can never become so serious that you lose your spark on stage, otherwise you are just like everyone else. I want to remain unique and therefore I must work on my own style and become the best version of myself. My dream of performing on stage or screen has not yet faded. I am also keen on exploring opportunities for modelling, if possible.”