A fusion of sport and art
PARKTOWN – The aspiring hip hop dancer said nothing compares to her love for dance.
A love and diligence for dancing has put a Roedean School learner on an achievement pedestal.
Fifteen-year-old Leilah Jankelowitz recently participated in the South African Body of Dance World Trial Circuit Gauteng provincial hip hop championships. The aspiring hip hop dancer participated in the street and straight hip hop solo, street and straight hip-hop small group, and production categories.
“I placed first with my teammates for both of our small groups as well as for production. I also came second for my street solo called the Evolution of Missy Elliot out of 12 participants. Finally, I placed third for my straight solo out of 22 participants.
“I am incredibly grateful to be dancing again as we didn’t compete at all during Covid last year. For me, the training of four to six hours every Saturday, putting my heart and soul into everything I do for my team, and the blood, sweat and tears shared as a group is all worth it for those moments on the stage,” Leilah said.
The achiever said for her, hip hop was both a sport and an art because it demanded the creativity of art but the discipline and athleticism of sport.
Leilah competes in competitions all year round, usually entering into the street and straight group, and solo categories. She explained that the difference between straight and street as categories was that for straight, music was randomly played and dancers have to adapt and improvise, whereas for street there had to be a narrative and a clear storyline.
The dancer said she loved hanging out with friends, playing sports such as netball, soccer and tennis, but none of those compared to her love for dancing. “Music has always been a safe place for me and ever since I was a child, I have always loved the way it made me feel. That feeling of utter joy while different beats run through your bones and then hearing the crowds cheer at competitions, really brings my adrenaline to an all-time high.
“Ballet, modern or contemporary never really appealed to me as a child, I’d much rather be learning how to do a head spin than learn how to plié.
“I aim to get both my South African and provincial colours for dancing, and to always have my passion for music and hip hop. I hope to be able to represent my country proudly one day.”
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