KNYSNA NEWS - Ballerinas from Carmen's School of Dance charmed the audience at their annual High Tea Performance, giving magnificent performances this past Saturday.
The event was hosted at Knysna Primary School. A total of 42 dance routines were performed, each with its own theme and music. The dancers' ages varied between six and 18.
There was also a surprise dance item on the menu, with the mom of one of the dancers participating in one of the routines, much to the amusement of the audience.
While the dancers displayed breathtaking agility and balance in the exhibition, the audience of 200 people nibbled on sumptuous snacks.
Carmen de Sousa, the founder of Carmen's School of Dance, said the dancers rehearsed for many hours to get all the elements of the routines on point.
"The idea of a High Tea Performance came into being in 2015, with the idea of giving students who were preparing for competitive dance events, an opportunity to dance for an audience as a 'dry run'. It proved to be so immensely successful and popular, that it has since become an annual event, except during the Covid restrictions in 2020.
"We also have a lot of tournaments going on during the year where our dancers excel very well, a testament to their dedication, and passion they have for the sport. Today's (Sunday's) high tea event was also an ideal way to keep giving them exposure to build their confidence up, especially the younger dancers, "she said.
The 'Mazurka' dance routine was the opening act of the High Tea Performance.
De Sousa said with regards to the dances performed, she had always taught her students dance in a variety of styles and genres, to broaden their performance capabilities.
"Right now, I offer classical ballet (RAD), as well as modern dance (TDA), covering lyrical, jazz and contemporary styles.
"This year, students from as young as five years entered various dance competitions, the first of which this year was the inaugural South Cape Dance Eisteddfod where 43 dance items covering various styles and genres were entered."
Students received the following results during the adjudication process: 10 x A++ (95-100%); 25 x A+ (90-94%); 6 x A (80-89%); 2 x B+ (75-79%).
Onikwa Tyhawana, left, and Litheta Vonya perform the 'Lobster Walk'.
In addition, the following trophy titles were awarded:
Lobster Walk won the Best Junior Duet/Trio/Quartet title; Serenade Amour won the Best Classical Ballet Group title; Mazurka won the Best National/Character Dance Group title.
Friendly City Dance Festival
Carmen's School of Dance entered 10 dancers and 32 dance items in the Friendly City Dance Festival in Gqeberha earlier this year. They managed to achieve a high double gold, seven double golds, two high golds, sixteen golds and six silvers.
Where do Carmen's ideas for the choreography for various items come from?
The beautiful 'Serenade Amour' routine was the final dance act.
"For me the answer is rather simple - it comes from the music. I spend hours searching for the right piece of music that inspires me and from there it is a symbiotic relationship, where music, dance style, theme, dance vocabulary/steps, costumes etc all form a cohesive whole within my mind.
"I am unable to work in any other way and that is why my choreography is wholly mine; where other teachers may be strongly influenced by other choreographers' work, I find it impossible to work that way.
"I feel that my training while at UCT enabled me to explore and broaden my knowledge and education of dance forms and styles, which has led to me being able to choreograph as diversely as I do.
'Stillness' performed by Celyn Godfrey, left, and Amber Trautmann.
"To say that dance has always been my true calling is clearly evident. From my first ballet lesson at five years to this moment, dance has always, and will always be, my passion," she says.
Lihlonipohe Tshem was excellent in 'Ladybird Shopping Bird'.
Photos: Wyndham Ewerts
Upcoming events
The next stop for Carmen's School of Dance will be the Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival, taking place from 26 to 31 August in Gqeberha, followed by the Garden Route Dance Festival in George in mid-September.
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