Hoërskool Randburg Grade 11 learner, Arnel Swart recently made her presence felt at the recent On the Stage Dance Festival.
She participated in the solos, duo and trio and achieved the following results:
Solos:
- Jazz solo – gold (80–84%)
- Latin cha cha/ samba solo – crown gold (85–89%)
Duo/ Trio:
- Latin sensation trio – crown jewel (90–100%)
- Latin cha cha duet – crown gold (85–89%)
Special awards
- Arnel is nominated as the best senior Latin dancer.
- The Latin trio receives the award for top class entertainment.
This was her fourth year taking part in this festival. She explained that it was well organised, the venue was great. and she is happy with her achievements.
“I feel good and I’m very happy about my achievements. I do think I can better myself in some of my dances but overall, I am happy with the performances. I love the thrill of being on stage. Dancing is my passion, and it brings out a confidence I never knew I had.”
In preparation for the competition, she spends hours of training with her coach Eloise Hinrichs from El-Rhythmic Dance Studio and extra hours of training at home.
“We had to change one dance about two weeks before the competition, which was a bit of a challenge, but we managed. I just love performing on stage in front of an audience It makes me a more confident person.”
Swart started dancing when she was 11 years old. and has undoubtedly improved her techniques. Her idol is her coach Hinrichs and she also looks up to Erica Bradley.
“It requires a lot of training. Sometimes it is difficult because I have to say no to a lot of things because I have to train but it is all worth it in the end once I get on the stage and perform. My biggest dream is to go and dance overseas one day.”
She added that dance has taught her that being disciplined and committed can take someone far in life and that it’s good qualities to have. It made her more confident as a person and taught her to be more confident with who she is.
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