Young ballerina twirls to the top
Over the years, Ndondo has improved a lot as she has accumulated certificates, trophies and medals in every competition she enters.
POLOWKANE – Northern Ballet Academy founder and owner, Marlie van Niekerk says starting ballet as a child has its physical and mental advantages. “As a teacher, I believe that kids retain new information better than adults and my students are examples of that,” Marlie says.
One of her students, Nndondote Ndondo Masevhe (8) has been dancing since the age of five and her mother, Dephny, says she has gained confidence since she started, adding that she was a shy and quiet child before she started dancing.
“She has changed completely and is now able to express herself through dancing. She dances everywhere she gets an opportunity to, be it at the mall or at home in the living room,” Dephny says.
The young ballerina attends classes thrice a week and Dephny says the classes do not distract nor interfere with her schoolwork because she gives both equal attention. “She puts in extra hours after her practice to catch up on her schoolwork or homework,” she says.
When asked why she decided to pursue ballet, Ndondo told BONUS that she once watched a ballet performance on TV and loved watching it. “I then asked my parents to enroll me and I love and enjoy my classes. I also love my classmates because they make classes fun,” she says.
Dephny adds that her daughter loves the sport because it has introduced her to new friends and it has kept her fit and more flexible.
“It also instills discipline and encourages her to learn more about herself. The fact that her teacher is patient and friendly, makes it easier for the children to interact with her. It makes it easy for the children to talk to her about anything in general,” she says.
Over the years, Ndondo has improved a lot as she has accumulated certificates, trophies and medals in every competition she enters. “She recently obtained an A+ and a gold star in the Limpopo Eisteddfod dance competition hosted at Mitchell House in May. I’m extremely proud of her,” Dephny says.
Ndondo added that she one day hopes to own her own ballet/dance studio so that she can continue dancing and teach others to dance.
Marlie describes Ndondo as a hard working student with a passion for ballet. “She is a fast learner and pays attention to detail in class, and she loves performing on stage and at events. It is a pleasure to teach her,” she says.
