Talented twins Michaela and Fallon Mondlane (16) from Dainfern excelled at the National Eisteddfod competition.
Michaela came first in speech and drama while Fallon came first in singing. The sisters take singing and drama lessons at the June Kraus Academy in Craigavon . “We grew up in a musical household,” Michaela said. “My mom is a singer and my dad was a sound engineer.”
Fallon explained that their parents met when her mother was touring with Eric Clapton in Mozambique and their father set up the sound for one of the concerts.
The twins put absolute dedication into their performance arts. “Singing and acting takes a lot of perseverance and dedication,” Fallon said. “It's taken a long time to get my voice to where I want it.”
Michaela admitted that practice and open casting calls sometimes conflicted with school, but she had to make time to focus on academics.
Michaela said forgoing other teenage activities was no sacrifice because she enjoyed performing. “I actually feel bland if I just sit at home without singing, acting or dancing,” she said.
The twins are wise beyond their years, having a very realistic approach to rejection in the industry. “Sometimes I could get passed up for a role just because my skin is too tanned, but that's part of me and just something I have to come to terms with,” Fallon said.
Michaela added, “We are still teenagers though and sometimes not getting a role seems like the end of the world, so its just important to have people around you who can give you a reality check.”
The twins have big plans for the future. Neither can see themselves doing anything but performing, however Michaela would like to study film and drama at University while Fallon is set on doing a double major with music as one of her subjects.
