Jadeline Sandiford has recently returned from an impressive journey through Croatia and the USA, marking her name among the elite in the dance world. Her accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable, reflecting her dedication and talent.
Jadeline’s journey began in Croatia, where she showcased her diverse skills across multiple dance genres. She achieved first place in the Open solo, Ballet Contemporary solo, Musical Theatre solo, and Lyrical duet categories. Her prowess did not stop there; she secured second place in the Show dance, Lyrical, and Contemporary solo categories. These victories highlight her versatility and commitment to her craft.
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Continuing her tour in the USA, Jadeline’s performances earned her Ultimate Golds for all her solos in Ballet Contemporary, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Her ballet solo on Pointe received a special award for ‘athleticism’, a testament to her strength and grace. Additionally, she performed two duets with Chloe Meyer, both of which were awarded Ultimate Golds.
Reflecting on her inspiration and journey, Jadeline shared, “From a young age, I always knew I wanted to dance; it was only when my mom enrolled me on ballet classes that I knew that this was something I would love. My mom always wanted me to get exposure to all the different sports I could, school and extra-mural so that I could decide what I had a passion for, and well, dance is definitely where my passion lies.”
One of the most prestigious events Jadeline participated in was the Title Dancer of the Year competition, an event that only selected the top five dancers from regional competitions. Her inclusion in this elite group underscores her exceptional talent and hard work.
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Jadeline’s achievements extend beyond her performances. She competed in four auditions during her USA tour, winning the ballet class audition and making history as the first South African to do so.
Describing her experience winning the ballet class audition in the USA, Jadeline said, “I don’t think I would have achieved this if my teacher hadn’t prepared me for it. When I won the ballet audition and they announced my name it almost felt surreal, and everyone was so excited and supportive because no other South African had ever won this award, and it was a really big deal!”
Moreover, Jadeline’s journey included significant recognition in the form of a golden card for the Can you Dance College auditions, and a full scholarship for the Joffrey Summer Intensive program, covering 100% of all costs.
As with any dancer, Jadeline has faced numerous challenges. She explained, “As a dancer, we face many different challenges, part of those challenges are competitions and/or auditions as they are not always positive. Some leave you wondering why I didn’t win or simply place at all, or why I wasn’t picked out of the handful of people auditioning. Competitions can be really difficult as it’s based on someone’s opinion of you as an artist/individual and even when you are giving 100% that may not be enough.”
Jadeline Sandiford’s recent achievements highlight her talent and her relentless pursuit of excellence in dance. Her success in Croatia and the USA sets a high bar and inspires aspiring dancers worldwide.
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