Natasha Academy of Dancing (NAD) is beaming with pride as 13 of its talented acrobats have qualified to represent the studio at the prestigious Acrobatic Sport SA (ASSA) National Championships, taking place from July 15 to 19.

This follows a nail-biting week at the ASSA Gauteng Inter-District Championships, which ran from June 16 to 20.

Twenty-two dancers from NAD competed in this third round of competitions, hoping to secure a coveted spot on the national team.

The championships, known for their high level of competition and large sections, saw dancers compete from level 1 to elite advanced, with sections often having thirty or more competitors per age group.
“It’s a very stressful and nerve-wracking competition for these dancers because everyone there is truly excellent,” said Natasha Ehlers, owner and coach at NAD. “They have worked so hard to secure their spots on the SA National team, and to see 13 of our acrobats qualify is such a proud moment for our studio.”

The 13 acrobats who made it through have now earned their Gauteng provincial colours and will represent the province, and their studio, on the national stage next week.

“We’re incredibly excited for the team as they prepare for Nationals. Their dedication, resilience, and passion for acro sport truly shine through, and we are so proud of how they represented NAD and themselves,” Ehlers added.

NAD’s ASSA Gauteng Nationals Team:

• Level 1: Abigail Schulze and Zabella Eblen.
• Level 2: Azile Mbongwe.
• Level 3: Leigh Snodgrass.
• Level 5: Milan du Plessis and Jessica McFarland.
• Level 6: Nina van den Heever.
• Level 7: Busi Buthelezi and Katlego Phefadu.
• Level 8: Dasha Mapamba.
• Elite: Taylor Scholz and Danni-Leigh Slater.
• Elite advanced: Hannah Mangold.

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