Dancers excel in George

KNYSNA NEWS - Last Saturday, 20 August, 13 dancers from Knysna took part in the Garden Route Eisteddfod at the George Civic Centre, representing Art in Motion Dance Academy.

A total of 15 items were performed in the contemporary, hip-hop and Acro/Gymnastics categories.

Their teacher, Maria Coetzer, is immensely proud of their results. The children had been rehearsing hours for months in the lead-up to the eisteddfod, giving up their July school holidays and many a Saturday too.

The hard work has paid off: the team came back with one gold (89%) and 14 double gold (90-99%).

Furthermore, special awards were given to Alisa Stead for her Acro/Gymnastic solo (98%) and Harlow Holmes for her hip-hop solo (95%) and contemporary solo (99%). Zélie de Villiers and Harlow Holmes also received a special award for their hip-hop duet (98%).

Harlow was the studio's most decorated dancer on the day, returning home with six double golds for her two solo items, two duet items, one trio item, and one group item - this apart from her three special awards.

The dancers involved were:

Alysa Stead, Cristina Valenti, Harlow Holmes, Jessica du Plessis, Jason Trautman, Keerah Arendse, Kiara Stead, Lana Tripkovic, Liliia Tryzub, Mia Tripkovic, Nicole van Strijp, Yaela Campher and Zélie de Villiers.

The youngest dancer was only six years old and the oldest was 16 years old. Most of these winning items will be showcased in the studio's annual show, Iconic, on 15 and 16 September in Knysna.

Liliia Tryzub