Carmen school of dance magic

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KNYSNA NEWS - On 1 and 2 December, Carmen’s School of Dance hosted their annual year-end show with an originally conceived ballet called Moonbeams & Magic.

Carmen's young dancers' hard work and effort was clear to see on the stage, but so was their love and dedication for ballet.

The show looked at the world of fantasy and magic as a child would experience it, with special and innovative touches such as the glow-in-the-dark mushrooms and the magic of fireflies dancing on the moonbeams.

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It was clearly evident by how the children committed themselves to their different roles that they were loving the experience and having so much fun.

They put their heart and soul into entertaining the audience, who showed their appreciation by clapping and letting out bursts of spontaneous laughter with the more humorous scenes.

The high quality of lighting, props, interesting and entertaining music choices, as well as the magnificent costuming added to the magic of the children's dancing, from the little budding ballerinas up to the very advanced girls who showed off their talent and level of technicality.

At the end of the final performance, Carmen hosted an award ceremony, where her students received their annual medals.

Lila Cunningham received a trophy for perseverance.

There were also a select few trophies for those dancers who excelled in their exams and dance competitions during 2017.

This is always a highlight for the dancers and something they look forward to, especially as it has been a very busy year for the students.

Some of the dancers competed in three dance festivals (eisteddfods), in Cape Town, George and Port Elizabeth.

As if this was not enough, they also entered into the internationally recognised ballet exams with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). A total of 13 students entered, with nine passing their dance level with distinction, and four students passing with merit.

Of the students who were awarded trophies, one really needs to make mention of a student who has worked exceptionally hard and has done outstandingly well this year, the 14-year-old Dina du Plessis. Dina won Carmen's Victoria Cattell trophy, as well as best senior classical dancer, for attaining the following dance titles this year:

Cape Town: two category winnings, as well as overall age category winner
George: best junior ballet dancer
Port Elizabeth: overall age category winner, best junior national dance winner, as well as winner of junior ballet championship

Dina also attended an intensive international summer course in America, where she was awarded the main role in the performance showcase.

From left: Celyn Godfrey, Madison Starkey and Milani Xhongo all received trophies at the Carmen School of Dance awards ceremony on 2 December, for outstanding effort, most improved and best groomed respectively.

On top of that, Dina also decided to take on the challenge of entering two major/vocationally graded RAD ballet exams in one session.