Young dancer has all the right moves

Cassidy Cheong (11) did Brakpan proud when she recently took the winning title at the Dance World Cup in March.

In 2018, the Geluksdal youngster joined Geluksdal Dance Academy and this is where her professional hip hop dancing started.

She found confidence and the foundation was laid for building a career in dance. Due to Covid-19, however, the academy closed and Cassidy had to pursue alternatives.

In January she joined the Dexter Dance School in Kempton Park and Benoni where she practices twice a week. On her first day, she was immediately recognised for her talent and moved to the advanced class.

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The Dance World Cup took place at Lewende Woord Church Centurion, from March 7 to 12.

“I could not believe that I won. I was excited and I didn’t expect to win at all. I knew the competition would be tough and I just wanted to be on a big stage,” said Cassidy.

Her mom Adelaide Cheong (43) is her biggest fan.

“I screamed at the top of my lungs when they called her name, I am so blessed to be part of the growth I see in her. She is making her whole family proud,” she said.

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Cassidy qualified to travel to Spain to compete on an international level. She is a Grade Six learner at Dalpark Primary School where she plays netball for the u-11 team.

“She would watch dance videos and started copying the choreography to almost perfection at the age of three. I knew that she would achieve greatness and started searching for platforms where her craft can be perfected,” Adelaine said.

Cassidy explained that hip hop is special because it is a unique way of dance and that one can choose different styles and genres. Her next competition is Battle of The Giants which will take place later in April at Sun City.

“I feel alive and free when I dance. I feel unique and I live for dance. I see myself becoming a professional dancer,” Cassidy said.