Performing Arts participants bring home 147 medals
POORTVIEW – Children from The King's School West Rand laid it all on stage and brought home many medals from the South African Championships of Performing Arts.
The youngest of the performing arts participants did not disappoint on stage.
Between the 22 participants, they were awarded 48 gold, 37 silver and 62 bronze medals. Only the best from the Gauteng provincial championships were allowed to participate in the national competition. Since all the participants did so well, they all qualify to attend the World Championships in Los Angeles in July.
Katie and Liam Bester display their medals from the SA Championships of Performing Arts.
Medals are only awarded to the top three places in specific age groups, such as five to seven and eight to ten, which makes it a tough competition for a medal.
Gold medalists also receive their green and gold national colours in performing arts. Drama teacher, Mercia Swanepoel, said,
” This is the only competition in South Africa that the Department of Arts and Culture accredits so it is a prestigious achievement. They deserved to achieve because they did not have an April holiday, they were working hard right through.”
Notable mentions were Liam Bester who walked away with two gold, three silver and two bronze for his first time at the championships in solo acts. Liam’s sister, Katie Bester (4) was too young to participate in any solo acts but achieved a gold medal in a group act. Sarah Verna Storbeck (17) was one of the notable achievers with two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
Performing arts girls show off their medals.
At the end of the championships in the beginning of April, some of the children were selected for their act to be part of the final championships showcase, a show that is streamed worldwide. Only the best items with high entertainment value were chosen for the showcase.
The Triplets singing group, Alicia Nyepa, Unathi Radebe and Kelci Walters, wear the silver and bronze medals they were awarded for their performance.
Coach and manager, Gerrie Swanepoel, said,
“I am very proud of every participant’s achievements. We also want to thank every parent who took the time to assist and support the team (costumes and make-up). We are already planning the programme for 2018 so watch this space!”
Oratile Ntseke, Tusmisho Seaka, Emma Shorten, Motemo Pi and Busisiwe Dlamini show their passion for the dramatic arts.
Kiara Andrews, Oakganya Molotsi, Dominique Strydom, Grant and Kim Peverett pose with their medals.
