#LegendsAreMade: Organisers ensure a magical opportunity for Soweto dancers

As dancers and performers gear up for the third season of Legends are Made, the organisers have made a donation of cash and dance gear to Magic Feet Foundation Centre, in Soweto.

The competition’s founders, professional dancers Duerell Delano de Pontes of Benoni and Chanel Jacobs of Boksburg, handed over the items, including brand-new shoes and dance clothes to the dance school at Woodlands International College, where the competition is taking place in June.

De Pontes explained that the donation was motivated by his passion to help create a legacy for the future of the arts. “These dancers are so talented but don’t have the financial support, hence, we decided to assist the school.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Inclusive dance takes centre stage at festival

The items handed over to Magic Feet Foundation were donated by various dancers and dance schools,” he said.
Salvation Molaolwe, who founded the dance school 29 years ago, expressed her gratitude.

The school, now a non-profit organisation, was established to offer children and community members in Soweto the opportunity to learn ballroom, waltz, quickstep, and Latin-American dance forms.

“They are my family and I love them so much. That’s why we will support them. We’re already preparing for the competition and want to work even harder to win this year. Last year we experienced glamorous moments and saw a different kind of dancing,” Molaolwe said.

In the second season of the competition, 14-year-old Atlegang Mosiapoa from the dance school won the solo ballroom and Latin category in her age group.

“Last year’s competition was fantastic and amazing. I had a great experience. This year, I’m expecting something huge and I’m certainly ready for it,” Mosiapoa said.

She also thanked her coaches, friends, and family for their unwavering support.

Mosiapoa will dance with Sphelele Mphumuzi Innocent Zondo (22), who has been dancing since 2010. “I’ve been doing hip-hop and street dance, but I was introduced to ballroom and Latin dance in 2017. We would like to thank the organisers for this opportunity,” said Zondo.

Mpho Caroline Moremoholo (41) and Petrus Mofokeng (41) from Magic Feet Foundation are excited to compete for the first time. Moremoholo, who started dancing in 1999, said, “I still dance because I love it. I’m so keen to enter the competition, and the preparation is going well. Salvation has been very supportive, and I hope my partner and I will do well.”

Mofokeng expressed his honour and pleasure in entering the competition.

Competition details

The competition will span three thrilling days on June 14, 15, and 22, with participants vying for honours in categories such as vocals, instrumental, drama, slow dance, disco, rock ‘n roll, ballroom and Latin, show dance, hip-hop, contemporary, and many more.

Angelik will judicate on June 15 and will also host an international workshop on June 16. Angelik has an impressive resume, including being a 13-time French amateur and professional Latin champion, a two-time German professional Latin champion, the European showdance Latin champion, and a finalist in the Blackpool professional Latin competition.

For more information or to access entry links, call Duerell on 071 475 6576 or follow Legends Are Made on Facebook and Instagram.

ALSO READ: Legends are Made brings the heat!