Victory at the World Dance Cup
Benoni residents returned victorious from the World Dance Cup, in Portugal, in June.
The international competition had over 18 000 competitors between the ages of four to 25 years, from 38 countries.
“The competitors compete within their countries, and qualifying enables them to take part in the final event, which takes place on an annual basis, in a different country, each year,” said Chris Stapelberg, Dance World Cup representative for South Africa.
The South African qualifying event took place in Pretoria, where dancers were required to place within the top three in their section in order to qualify.
“The competition took place from June 29 to July 6 in Portugal, where more than 70 children represented South Africa,” said Stapelberg.
Of the 14 medals obtained, seven were due to the efforts of Benoni dancers.
Gold medal winners are:
– Christian Bailey, first place for junior tap solo.
– Christian Bailey and Codi Passmore, first place for junior tap duets.
Silver medal winners:
– Gemma Passmore, second place for open solo jazz and show dance.
Christian Bailey, Codi Passmore, Taylor Parsons and Kristen Levin, second place for junior tap quartets.
“With so many top class routines from around the world in each section at the finals, this was, without a doubt, one of the highest levels of competition for our South African dancers,” Stapelberg said.
“And with the results we obtained, we are really fortunate in South Africa to have dancers, teachers and choreographers who have the skill, passion and desire to take on the best in the world, and achieve such results.”
