This is what legends are made of
Performers can look forward to an action-packed singing and dancing competition, Legends Are Made season two, at Woodlands International College Boksburg in June.
Professional dancers Duerell Delano de Pontes of Benoni and Chanel Jacobs of Boksburg founded the competition.
De Pontes, the founder of Duerell’s School of Music, Drama and Dance, is a former 10-time ballroom and Latin-American SA champion representing SA in England and France and an International Dance Teachers’ Association Fellow-qualified ballroom and Latin-American adjudicator.
Jacobs owns Ultimate Empire Dance Studio in Boksburg and is a Licentiate South African Dance Teachers Association-qualified trainer and adjudicator who adjudicated the World Freestyle Championships in London.
Last year’s well-supported competition had over 800 entries. Dancers travelled from Cape Town, Limpopo and North West to vie for the title, competing in categories from as young as four to the masters section.
Entries
The new season of Legends Are Made will take place over two weekends.
The freestyle, slow dance, couples, disco, and rock ‘n roll categories will be on June 8.
On June 9, dancers will compete in the hip hop, slow dance, open contemporary, lyrical, jazz, amapiano, acro, breakdance and pantsula categories.
Entries for these categories close on May 28.
Meanwhile, the line dancing, belly dancing, vocals and song and dance categories will take place on June 15.
On June 16, performers will participate in the international ballroom Latin-American rhythm/smooth pro-am.
The closing date for these categories is June 4.
Making a difference
Like last year, the organisers are sponsoring the entry fees for the Magic Feet Foundation Centre, an underprivileged dance school from Soweto.
“There are too many talented dancers with much potential in SA but no financial support. Starting somewhere can make a big difference in a child’s life, creating a future for them,” said De Pontes.
Salvation Molaolwe started the dance school 28 years ago for children and others interested in and around Soweto to get training in ballroom, the waltz and quickstep, and other forms of Latin-American dance.
The Magic Feet Foundation registered as an NPO in 2021.
Molaolwe said last year’s competition was fabulous.
“The dancers learn so much in this competition. We get to meet different people and see new dance techniques. The dancers love what they do. Our vision is to keep the children off the streets,” said Molaolwe.
Molaolwe said the organisation needs funds for transportation and dance attire, including black socks and laces.
Magic Feet dancer Masingita Mongwe said the first season of the competition was extraordinary.
“The lights, judges, decor and everything was amazing. I’m expecting even more glitz and glamour in the next season. We thank the organisers for sponsoring us,” she said.
Another dancer, Thembinkosi Lushaba, is also excited about participating in the second season.
“Last year was a fun experience. I learnt new things, met people and found challenges to conquer,” said Lushaba.
Sponsorship
This year, there will be cash prizes for selected sections, a trip away and many other prizes and vouchers.
De Pontes said they need sponsors to help make this season a success.
“We would appreciate financial support. The medals alone cost over R30 000. We will ensure the businesses sponsoring the competition get exposure,” he added.
For more information, call Duerell on 071 475 6576 or follow Legends Are Made on Facebook and Instagram.
