Harper Jordaan shines bright on the international stage of performing arts
Harper Jordaan's extraordinary talent knows no bounds as she excels in ballet, jazz and lyrical dance forms, earning accolades and admiration on both national and international stages.
At the tender age of six, Harper Jordaan of Trinityhouse Glenvista has already etched her name into the annals of the performing arts world, emerging as a true virtuoso.
Her recent accomplishments at the Talent Africa nationals in the Free State not only showcased her extraordinary talent but also cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with. Harper’s prowess in ballet, modern jazz, and lyrical forms earned her the well-deserved Gauteng Colours, propelling her onto the international stage.
A journey to stardom
According to her mom, Jennifer Jordaan, Harper’s journey into the world of performing arts began at the age of two, when she took her first tentative steps onto the dance floor at Dance Genetique, her first dance school.
“Despite her initial struggles with stage fright, Harper’s passion for dance shone through, driving her to overcome her fears and embrace the spotlight with confidence. From those early beginnings, Harper’s talent blossomed under the guidance of dedicated instructors and mentors.
“Her innate gift for movement and expression became evident as she honed her skills in various dance forms, including ballet, modern jazz, and lyrical styles. With each passing year, Harper’s dedication to her craft grew stronger, as did her desire to excel on both national and international stages.
“Harper’s first major breakthrough came at the Talent Africa nationals held in the Free State, where she not only showcased her extraordinary talent but also clinched her well-deserved Gauteng colours in ballet, modern jazz, and lyrical forms. Her performances captivated audiences and judges alike, earning her recognition as a rising star in the South African performing arts scene,” said Jennifer.
Jordaan went on to Harper’s talents transcended national borders when she was invited to participate in the prestigious Stars of the Universe International Performing Arts Cup.
“Opting to present her mesmerizing jazz solo, which had already garnered acclaim at the nationals, Harper once again triumphed with a gold at this event. Her performance not only earned her the esteemed SA Colours in performing arts but also solidified her place among the world’s elite performers,” expressed Jennifer.
Behind the curtain
Jennifer underscored that behind Harper’s meteoric rise lies a story of dedication, relentless hard work, and support from her family and mentors.
“Despite her young age, Harper’s commitment to her art is nothing short of extraordinary, with rigorous training sessions amounting to six to nine times every week. Balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for dance, she exemplifies the true meaning of dedication and perseverance.
“Harper’s journey has been characterised by moments of triumph, growth, and self-discovery. From overcoming stage fright to mastering complex dance routines, she has embraced every challenge with grace and determination,” said Jennifer.
Jennifer added that she believes Harper’s goals will remain as lofty as ever as she prepares for upcoming competitions and performances.
“With each graceful movement, she pushes the limits of her artistry, looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow. Whether she’s gracing the stage with elegant balletic movements or dazzling audiences with dynamic jazz performances, one thing is certain, Harper Jordaan is a rising star, destined for greatness in the world of performing arts.”
Words of wisdom and parental pride
Sue-Ellen Vermaak, Harper’s dance teacher at Dance Genetique, shared words of wisdom: “We are not what we know, but what we are willing to learn. Good individuals have become good because they learned wisdom through failure.”
She applauded Harper’s fortitude, saying, “Harper has overcome her fear of performing tricks, particularly transitioning from a mat to a hard floor. I’m a very proud teacher.
“Jennifer and Jonathan, Harper’s parents, are extremely proud of their daughter, describing her as intelligent, kind, supportive, and hardworking.
“As a dancer, she makes our hearts burst with pride and sometimes we are overcome with emotion from seeing her progress on stage and her achieving recognition for her dedication and talent but ultimately she deserves all the credit,” said Jordaan.
