Grade 9 learner at Hoërskool Randburg Janique Kruger participated in the provincial round of Talent Africa and qualified for The Federation of Performing Arts South Africa (F.P.A.S.A) Gauteng colours to represent the province at the national round in September.
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She explained that the provincial round was enjoyable, everything was well organised, and everyone was very supportive.
“I love being on stage, so it was great to perform my dances and acting pieces. I worked really hard to prepare my pieces, and I felt great about my performances. Getting my Gauteng colours was an amazing reward for all the effort I put in and I am very proud”
Janique dedicated a lot of time to private classes and spent many hours preparing her solos to be stage ready and practised as much as she could. Her dance and drama teachers helped assisted her during preparations.
The Talent Africa is her favourite competition, as a competitor can compete in dance, acting, eisteddfod singing, instrumental and vocal in one competition. They also have so many opportunities to perform on the international stages.
She explained that there were not real challenges as she was well prepared, and the competition was well organised. Nerves also were not a problem as she had support from her family and the Talent Africa team.
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“I love the freedom of expressing emotions through dance and acting. Being on stage and entertaining audiences is amazing, and it’s so rewarding to see them enjoying the performances. I love being on stage.”
Janique has been dancing since she was four and started competing at the age of 10 and has since grown in the various dance genres like ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and contemporary.
“I dance an average of 10–12 hours a week and take weekly drama classes at Hoërskool Randburg. I am always working on technique, strength and improving my competition pieces.”
She added that her ultimate dream is to perform in musicals and travel the world, sharing her love for the arts with other people. “I want to study in the performing arts, perfect my craft, and inspire others with my performances. Nothing excites me more than being on stage.”
She is already busy preparing new solos and continuing to put in the hard work to ensure she is prepared and ready to take the stage at the Gauteng National Round in September.
Her results at the provincial round of Talent Africa:
Category: 15–17 years old
- Undramatised poetry: high gold
- Dramatised monologue: high gold
- Jazz: high gold
- Musical theatre: high gold
- Tap: high gold
- Lyrical: high gold
- Fitness: gold.
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