DANCING for almost as long as she’s been walking, Kelsey Esterhuizen (16) sees no end in sight for her dancing career. The 16-year-old started dancing at the age of three and after many routines, shows, costumes and a lot of glitter, hair styling and make-up, the rhythmic enthusiast has gone on to win numerous awards.
“My mum got me into dancing at a young age and I was hooked from the start. After dancing class I would come home and dance around the house,” said the Fancy Feet group dancer. Kelsey is certain she has invested her love into the fulfilment of a lifetime.
“I love all the different styles of dancing, I love how I can be myself. Each genre of dance allows me to express how I feel differently,” explained Kelsey. At the age of three, the little dancer started ballet and at five tried out belly dancing, at six-years-old tested her liking for freestyle, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and modern styles. At eight-years-old she started hip-hop dancing and now Kelsey practises Latin, contemporary, modern, tap and hip-hop styles of dance. While enjoying all the different styles, the passionate prancer admits her strength lies between contemporary and hip-hop.
“I have to say American contemporary dancer and actress, Kathryn McCormick is my favourite contemporary dancer because of her amazing strength and beautiful lines when dancing. Twitch (a freestyle hip-hop dancer, entertainer and actor) would be my favourite hip-hop dancer because of his energy on stage. Both of these dancers have been on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and now perform in popular dance movies,” explained Kelsey. Her most defining moment was competing in the nationals for Talent Africa. She also thoroughly enjoyed dancing in a flash mob with many talented dancers at a wedding a couple months ago.
“I’d love to dance on cruise ships after school and to be in many dance productions. My dream would be to travel to America, to dance with some of the most famous dance choreographers, hopefully one day, be in a dance movie or a back up dancer for talented singers,” said Kelsey. Her first award was won at the age of six – a first place for a cha cha dance at the SAADA competition. Receiving several medals, certificates and a couple of years ago ‘the hip hop dance of the year’ award, more recently Kelsey won ‘the most promising senior dancer’ and ‘the most passionate dancer.’
Dancing requires a lot of commitment and dedication. Kelsey recommends one should try all different styles of dance, as you may enjoy a style you never knew you would.
“I think novice dancers need to believe in themselves and remember: it’s not about being the best dancer, it’s about the fun and joy dancing brings to your life,” said the avid dancer.
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