A dance group of youths based in Parktown is taking both the national and international dance scene by storm.
The group, Jozi Youth Dance Company (JYDC) is run by former Parktown High School for Girls learner, founder and director, Jayd Swart. On one of their training days at the school, Swart shared that the group had been in existence for about five years and was considered the leading dance school.
She said a lot of people see them as professionals because they perform on a professional stage under different professional choreographers.
“Recently, we’ve been fortunate enough to go to America for the American Dance Competition International Ballet Competition. It is an American competition of an extremely high standard and we brought back a bronze medal for South Africa which we did not think we would. It was a great beginning to an awesome year,” Swart said.
She added that upon arriving back, they went straight into rehearsals and participated in the Dance Star World Finals in Croatia. There were 6 000 dancers from 23 countries competing.
“JYDC’s team of 11 dancers was the best dance school with 23 podium places, winning firsts and seconds. Navin Jacobs, Chandre Wiid and Ava Schnehage received top achievements for their respective categories.”
Swart said they were currently preparing for an upcoming show on 19 July at Roodepoort Theatre. On the one-night-only show, the company will perform all their award-winning ballet, contemporary and jazz pieces.
Auditions to be part of the company will be coming up on one day in July and in August and are open to anyone from any background. Swart said the dancers worked hard during sessions every day from 3pm to about 8pm and half the time on Sundays as they need to rest.
She also acknowledged the many people who supported her including her mentor, the choreographers, physios and teachers.
Details: Visit the page JOZI Youth Dance Company on Facebook.
Have you seen the JYDC in action on the stage? share your ratings of them on Facebook Rosebank Killarney Gazette
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