MOKOPANE – Zané de Wet, trainer and owner of Z’s Dance Studio, has just returned from the US with her six dancers, where they participated in the prestigious American Dance Awards National Championship.
The team left a beautiful South Africa on June 26 and, after a day and a half of flying, landed in the vibrant and bustling New York City.
“For the dancers, two days of sight-seeing were far too little, and sleep was not high on the ranking either,” explained Zané.
The team then boarded a bus, headed for Providence, Rhode Island, where the serious work began.
“It was competition time, and everyone’s focus had to be there,” Zané said.
In the evenings, the dancers had the privilege of participating in several workshops presented by professional trainers, as well as some of the judges themselves.
From July 1 to 6, both halls were simultaneously busy with more than 1 000 dancers’ performances that had to be judged.
Dancers from across the US, Canada and South Africa participated. Zané added that the competition was fierce, but her dancers put their best foot forward, participating in 13 dances including solos, duets, and group dances.
She told Bosveld that the team returned with 11 high silver medals and two gold awards. Jamie-Lee Botha won an All-star award for her disco solo dance, Bringing the Energy.
“My dancers came back with new energy and commitment to work harder and improve themselves,” Zané said. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful community for opening your hearts and supporting my dancers. Every cent helped to make their dreams come true, but now the hard work begins for the next competition.”
