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KNYSNA NEWS - After a two-year interruption of their year-end tradition, students of the Art in Motion Dance Academy could finally round off their year in the usual manner with a special dance showcase last week.

Due to Covid-19 lockdown regulations, the academy could not hold a year-end showcase since 2019.

This has heavily affected everyone involved at the studio, as the showcase serves as an important way for the dancers to take what they've learned during the year and put it into practice.

Photo gallery: Art in Motion Dance Academy round off their year

Now, just about two years on from their last show, Art in Motion students performed for an audience again. Their 2021 showcase, named Social Dis-dance, was held on the evenings of 2 and 3 December at the Dutch Reformed Church in Fitchat Street.

The 'Check it Out' group. Front, from left: MacEwan Seton, Harlow Holmes, Nathan Coetzee, Daniel de Jager. Back: Ava van Heerden and Everly Janse van Rensburg. Photo: Blake Linder

Under the tutelage of Maria Coetzer, the academy's dancing style is based on modern and contemporary styles of dancing rather than ballet or more classical dance styles. This shone through in the dancers' performances, with each step, each pirouette, each movement, more vibrant and lively than the previous.

The talented dancers carried their hearts on their sleeves throughout the nearly two-hour-long programme. Their performances were aided by stunning, brilliantly crafted props and sets, bringing each dance to life even more.

At the end of the programme, all the dancers whisked across the stage for one last combined finale, followed by a moving speech by Coetzer who struggled to hold back the tears as she commended the dancers and thanked the crowd for their ongoing support. All in all, the showcase was a beautiful way to end a tough, tumultuous year for the young dancers. 

They will surely look forward to more dancing in the year ahead.

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