Redhill School tap dancer Ayan Fernando recently took home the gold at the South African Dance School Championships.
Although it was only his second solo performance, the 11-year-old gave judges a memorable performance and won the gold medal.
While the young dancer only discovered his love for tap about a year ago, after watching his sister Anya, he has not looked back since. “I had no reasons to start except I thought it was cool and my sister was doing it,” said Ayan.
Ayan began with group dance at the beginning of the year and with the help of his teacher Julie-Anne Oberholzer, he has competed and placed in various competitions.
“My first-ever competition was the South African Dance World Cup qualifier with this group where we placed first and went on to compete at the Dance World Cup held in the UK, we placed first and won gold.
“We also competed at Eisteddfod and our group was awarded a diploma.”
According to Ayan, Oberholzer has made his journey and experience with tap 10 times better. “She has the patience to guide me in the correct direction and to wait for me to finish learning a step.”
Ayan continued to challenge himself further by performing his first solo dance in October at the Gauteng Dance Festival. All of his hard work proved to be worth it when he received an A. “I have grown to love this form of dance and will continue trying to catch up to my sister,” he said.
Details:Redhill School 011 783 4707.
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