Childhood dreams lead to stage triumphs
Busi Buthelezi shares her inspiring journey as a young dancer, whose unwavering passion and perseverance continue to light her path, on stage and beyond.
From a young age, dance has been more than just a hobby for Busi Buthelezi (13); it’s been a lifelong passion that has shaped her life and ambitions. “My journey with dance has been a long but memorable one. I remember the first time I wanted to start dancing. I was about two years old and was watching a show about dancing. Ever since then, it’s been my passion.”
Inspired by the ballet dancers she admired on social media, and often passing by dance studios, Busi decided to pursue her dream seriously. Now, she has been dancing for 11 years, spending her entire journey at Natasha Academy of Dancing, where she has grown both technically and emotionally.
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Her dance style is characterised by its emotional depth and musicality, rather than sheer strength or power. “I would describe my dance style as more on the emotional and musical side, rather than the strong side. I love expressing feelings through my movements, which makes my dance unique.”
Like many dancers, she has faced her share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was battling self-doubt, feeling like she wasn’t good enough, or falling behind her peers. “There were times I thought I wasn’t progressing fast enough, or that I wasn’t as good as the others. But I learned to keep my head up, remind myself that everyone’s journey is different, and trust that I’ll reach my goals eventually.”
Her resilience has helped her continue to grow and improve. She emphasises that perseverance is key. “You have to believe in yourself, even when it feels like you’re not making progress. That’s when real growth happens.”
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Preparation for competitions is a mix of physical and mental routines. She emphasises staying calm and relaxed, often taking time to unwind with a bath or quiet reflection the night before a big event. She shares: “I try to keep myself as stress-free as possible. If that means relaxing or taking deep breaths, then I do it. Staying calm helps me perform my best.”
Her dedication has paid off; one of her proudest achievements is representing her province at the ASSA Acro Sport Dance competition for over five years. “It’s been a huge honour to represent my province. Every time I step onto that stage, I feel proud and motivated to do my best.”
She highlights the importance of community support, noting that dance is often overlooked compared to other sports. “Having family, friends, and fellow dancers supporting me makes a world of difference. Dance isn’t just about the moves; it’s about the encouragement and love from those around you. It makes the journey so much more meaningful.”
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Looking ahead, she has exciting projects coming up, including competing in the SABOD and regional ASSA Acro Sport competitions on May 10th. “I’m looking forward to these competitions. They’re great opportunities to challenge myself and showcase what I’ve been working on.”
Her advice to young dancers is simple yet powerful: “Don’t ever compare yourself to the people you see on TV or social media. Dance takes time, patience, and practice. Be patient with your progress and believe in yourself. As long as you’re doing your best, that’s all that matters.”
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