Young dancers get the opportunity to represent Gauteng

Mandy Bullock said that they want to include all the schools from every province to take part in the DSSL.

April 5, 2023

Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni 1 minute read

Dancer, Bontle Motshumi hopes to impress the judges at the dance trials. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Baggy pants and t-shirt, sneakers and some hip hop beats were on full display at the Gymnastic centre in Olivedale when dance trials were held for the team that will go on to represent Gauteng.

The Dance Sport School League (DSSL) was searching for young dancers to represent Gauteng in the upcoming inter- provincial competition.
All the dancers who have done well for their schools this season were invited for the trials. DSSL wants eight dancers for the U13,14,16 and U18s.

Remofiloe Koikoi left it all on stage at the Gauteng dance trials. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Gauteng DSSL head coach Lucette August said that she tries to push for the kids to have their own identities and not copy any of their coaches. “I want them to be very independent as dancers. Today I was looking for a unique understanding of their own style. We really love it as coaches to work with dancers that are unique and help them improve that uniqueness.

Young dancers came in drove, prepared to show off their skills and impress the judging panel.

Dancer, Langa Hlophe competing to be selected for the top spot. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

August added that some of the dancers were nervous but there was a lot of talent. They feel positive about the dancers they will select. “The day was beautiful and I love seeing how dedicated they are. I’m really happy they we able to give them a space to do something different from a traditional sport. I’m excited for the inter-provincial and we are gunning for the gold.”

Remofiloe Koikoi and Ceejay Anthony impress the judges with their moves. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Development director of the Street Dance Association, Mandy Bullock explained that the DSSL programme runs in schools in provinces across the country. “The provinces currently involved are Gauteng, KwaZulu- Natal, Western Cape, North West and the Eastern Cape. We are still encouraging more provinces to get involved in the DSSL, to give children in schools a chance to participate in dance sport.”

The inter-provincial competitions will take place on June 29 and July 2 at the Stoneridge, Hekpoort Gauteng.

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