A Crawford International Lonehill learner achieved great personal feats during a club competition recently.
Grade 7 learner, Danni-Leigh Slater achieved top results during the competition which meant she qualified for the Acrobatic Federation of South Africa Nationals. She achieved a 9.75 out of 9.8 in a competition with strict technical skills and was named the overall winner in Level 8 to 10 (which includes learners from ages 11 to 20) and first place in Level 8 (which includes learners from ages 11 to 13).
She recalled feeling incredibly nervous to compete because of how long it had been since she had competed because of the pandemic. “I was so very grateful and excited to be able to dance and have the opportunity to compete again. The competition was run exceptionally well with all the necessary Covid protocols in place.
“I was excited to hear my results and it has made me want to train even harder and challenge myself to better my score results at nationals and upcoming competitions,” she said.
Danni-Leigh started dancing in 2015, and has competitively danced for the Natasha Academy of Dancing based in Lonehill for the last three years. She dances in a number of styles such as acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary, showcase and interpretation.
She expressed immense excitement as the AFSA Nationals approach as she has already obtained her Central Gauteng colours and Junior SA National colours in 2018. “Competitions came to a standstill in 2020 but my goal this year is to receive my Senior SA National colours.”
Looking to the future, Danni-Leigh hopes to participate in an overseas competition. “I have always qualified to compete overseas but have never had the opportunity to go. I would also love to be an inspiration to other dancers as much as my teacher Natasha is an inspiration to me.”
Danni-Leigh hopes to obtain her Senior South African national colours in the AFSA Nationals which are set to take place from 2–3 July.
