From a trick to lighting up the dancefloor
Professional ballroom dancer Ian Nkhabelane said he was initially tricked into being a dancer.
POLOKWANE – “I was tricked by my sister to go into the dancing industry as she would always drag me to some of the dance events, but I couldn’t help but stay when I saw a friend of mine was also dancing. I wasn’t going to let him be a better dancer than me,” Ian said.
Ian soon became accustomed to the art in 2008 and started by mastering the basic cha-cha routine.
“As I grew up, I never thought I would dance professionally, as I started dancing at a young age. I barely had enough time to think of what I really wanted to do or be in life, but I grew to love it,” he added.
Ian has participated in over 60 competitions and has won just under half of them, acquiring podium finishes in 80% of these.
“I have even lost count in how many competitions I have entered and won,” he added. He has also had the privilege of competing in six South African dance championships and has competed at Carnival City, and in various other competitions and locations spanning from the years 2010 to 2016.
According to Ian, ballroom and Latin dance have evolved since his first inception and is an art that continues to do so. “At this point I understand it as the perfect balance between art and sport that provides the athletes or artists with a platform to make use of what’s technical to express all that is fundamental or abstract in terms of dance,” he explained.
Ian and his partner always try to connect on a more personal level as he believes that dance is more mental than it could be physical.
“My partner and I also had the privilege of reaching the broadcasted stage of SA’s Got Talent show this year, but we unfortunately did not make it to the last stage/round, but it was an honour to be part of the show, a good experience and also great exposure,” he explained. He regards finding a new partner as a difficult task, as it requires the acknowledging of various factors such as one’s body type, dancing style and body speed.
Apart from the achievements, he has had his fair share of challenges, inclusive of chronic injuries and a number of unmentionable illnesses.
“But I pulled through, and it has always been good to keep positive and absorb motivation wherever you can, and praying to God at all times,” he added.
Ian is also an aspiring entrepreneur and currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Water and Sanitation at the University of Limpopo.
Ian and his partner will compete at the 2017 South African Championships Achievers and the Inter-provincials dance competitions in Sun City from 13 December. “Any form of assistance would be appreciated, and your support will be highly appreciated,” he added.
Ian’s advice to dancers is a quote he received from his coach, Obed Mofokeng: “You are your biggest obstacle, you’re also your biggest competition, and if you can surpass yourself, nothing can stop you”.
