Lauren Kruger (22) competed and received first place in the South African Ballroom and Latin Championships last November. The championships marked her first time competing in a professional competition.
Kruger started dancing during her gap year after school, when her friend dragged her to a dance class. “It was so much fun I just kept on going back,” she explained. Four years later, Kruger and her dance partner, Adrian Julius, were rewarded with the championship win.
“It was a nerve-racking experience and terrifying to see the professionals and knowing it could go either way but it was all fun,”she added.
Kruger practised with her partner for an hour and put in as much time as she could dancing alone every day since January 2015. “There was a lot of sweat which can be gross. We went over our routines and received comments on our style and technique,” said Kruger. In total she put in about 100 hours before the championships in Alberton.
“Dancing is very social. It has good health benefits and is a great way to go out and relax. It is not true when they say you need a partner to learn ballroom dancing. There are instructors in the studio that will partner up with you,” Kruger commented.
When she is not dancing, Kruger studies graphic design. She recently completed her Graphic Design Diploma at CTU Training Solutions.
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