Local dance teens to fly SA flag high in UK
“The hard thing about dancing is that it is expensive, so if anyone would like to help by sponsoring me financially, I would appreciate it.”
Rethabile Radebe and Zekhethelo Ntumba have qualified to represent SA at the World Freestyle Dance Competition between June 28 and 30 in Blackpool, England.
Zekhethelo (13) started dancing at age seven at Live To Dance studio, headed by Sasha Herbst.
This makes her third time qualifying to represent SA in this competition.
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She was able to reach the finals in the two previous world championships.
“She is passionate about dance and feels it keeps her disciplined and focused. I have been her biggest supporter from the beginning and helped her raise funds to travel over the past two years,” said Gabi Ngubeni, her mother.
“This dance sport is a combination of gymnastics and contemporary moves. The South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA), which organises various competitions over the year, oversees it.
“The dancers have to participate in certain competitions where they collect points, and only eight in each section and age group, with the highest points, are legible to represent the country,” said Ngubeni.
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Rethabile Radebe, a 16-year-old lass, started dancing freestyle when she was 10.
“Dancing is my passion. I qualified for the World Freestyle Championship held in Blackpool in 2022, and from then on, I knew nothing could stop me.
“I am doing what I love, and my parents support me in any way they can. I have a good teacher, and she encourages everyone to do better every day.
“The hard thing about dancing is that it is expensive, so if anyone would like to help by sponsoring me financially, I would really appreciate it.
“Training costs money, and I want to train more to be ready for June,” said Radebe.
For more information, call Gabi on 065 880 4259.
