Local dancers shine at fest

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KNYSNA NEWS – Two groups of dancers from two local dance schools made Knysna proud with stellar performances at the Friendly City Dance Festival in Gqeberha from 9 to 12 June.

Five dancers from Carmen's School of Dance took part in the festival - the first time they have been able to compete in a live event since lockdown started.

They were entered into various categories, from classical, demi-character and national solos to duets, trios and groups in the neo-classical, national dance, classical and demi-character genres.

The students, all aged between 10 and 14 years, represented their dance school well. Among them, the five girls were awarded 12 double golds, eight golds and three silvers. Madison Starkey also made the Top 5 finalists in the U12 Pre-Junior Championship (a total of 16 girls had entered this category).

Prior to the festival, 10 dancers from the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet took part in the Cape Town Eisteddfod in May. They earned 12 diplomas, and four honours were awarded to the ballerinas.

Some of the dancers who took part in the festival from the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet. From left: Olivia Maycock, Antonette van Rooyen, Jaden Morton, Alizwa Qorana and Zélie de Villiers.

The Sidwell Roman School of Ballet was also represented at the competition, however with 15 dancers taking part. The children, who were aged from 6 to 17, also presented solos, duets, trios, and group dances.

They came back to Knysna with five double gold, 14 gold and 17 silver medals.

Their teachers Courtney Drew-Meyer and Sidwell Roman are extremely proud of their pupils and are very thankful for the commitment the students and their families showed over the past couple of months to perfect their moves. They were also very thankful that the festival did happen and was very well organised under the Covid-19 restrictions.

It has been too long for the children to be on stage without an audience and the spirit was high for all.

Photo gallery: Dancers make Knysna proud

One of the groups that represented the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet. From left: Emmah Geldenhuys, Isabella Meyer, Jana Olivier, Lise-Mari Victor and Chloe Mello.