Miëtte brings home the medals

Jet-lagged and with a head full of invaluable memories and experience, Miëtte Wissing, stepped off the plane on her return trip from Los Angeles, with three World Championships of the Performing Arts medals.

Wissing was awarded two bronze medals, one for her Broadway performance of Memory from the musical Cats, and the other in the open category for her rendition of Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables. Wissing took home the silver for her original song, composed by her vocal coach, Lané Theron, titled Who I am.

Each of the 10 days, between 8 and 17 July, saw a busy line up. Wissing had to perform all her songs between 8am and midday to qualify for the next stage of the competition. With representatives from 61 countries, Wissing admits the competition was tough.

The semi-finals took place on the third day of the competition where Wissing was allowed to perform one song of her choice, not knowing that would be her best performance. Although Wissing did not make it through to the final, her parents are very proud of her as they know that some participants did not receive a single award.

Wissing also received two ‘go-sees’, requests from talent scouts to meet with Wissing. She was offered a year’s scholarship at an American performing arts school.

Besides the competition, Wissing participated in an all-star boot camp, where members of the industry gave some valuable insight into the industry. “My favourite part of the trip was the visit to Universal Studios,” Wissing said. She visited the set of the movie Waterworld and also took a tour of the fashion district.

“We would do it again if we were given the opportunity. She gained so much experience, social skills and became more world wise,” added Wissing’s mother, Melissa.

Before leaving for America, Wissing participated in the National Netball tournament in Boksburg were her team, the Gauteng Lambda U12 team took home silver medals.

In one holiday, Wissing managed to secure four medals and tons of experience and memories. Going forward, Wissing strives to retain her 84 percent aggregate and looks forward to hockey and cross-country this term.

Related stories: Way to go, Miëtte!