Determined Wentworth dancer possesses winning moves
Martinique has grown immensely as a dancer, having mastered the various techniques making her the professional dancer she is today.
BORN and bred in Wentworth, Martinique Palmer (20) has worked hard at becoming a seasoned dancer which has also helped her secure a bright future, having recently been awarded a bursary to fund her studies through her love for dance.
Martinique who has been a member of the Dance Movement project as part of the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation (WACO) for 11 years, first joined the organisation when she was just three-years-old. “As a child, it was just a hobby for me, introduced by my parents who wanted to ensure that I steer clear of the bad influences and drug abuse happening in the community of Wentworth so that I don’t become another statistic. Through the years I have really grown immensely as a dancer, having mastered the various techniques and am now a professional dancer,” she said.
The Wentworth resident also expressed how the once in a lifetime opportunity to represent South Africa in Washington DC and New York, broadened her understanding of the performing arts. “As residents in small communities, we usually see successful dancers and performers on TV and the idea of being just as successful as a local girl seems far-fetched. Abroad we saw the demand for talented dancers and opportunities available in the industry on an international scale. It was so amazing and that’s when I realised that this can be more than just a hobby,” explained Martinique.
Having proven herself as a talented dancer, Martinique was awarded the WACO All-Time Achiever Bursary to help fund her studies towards obtaining a study a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. “Dance has become a part-time career for me thanks to Dance Movement which has been a great beacon of hope in giving disadvantaged youth an opportunity to explore the arts which also keeps them occupied and not wondering the streets getting into trouble with drugs. I’m thankful to the project for affording me my tertiary education,” the dancer concluded.
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