Glen Marais’ Alea (11) is world’s slow dance champion
The world champion has taken planning to another level and has a three-year dance plan for her competitions.
Glen Marais’ Alea Samuel (11) is a world dance champion title holder.
Alea was crowned the u-12 slow dance champion at the World Freestyle Championships in Blackpool, England.
She also performed in the freestyle category and managed to get to the second round.
“This was Alea’s first time competing at these championships and she gave it her all,” said her mother Renee.
“She competed in the World Disco Dance Championships last year, and was placed 54th. The competition was a bit overwhelming for her but she coped better with the nerves at this year’s competition.”
Alea also does contemporary, modern, jazz and hip-hop dancing, but slow dance has always been her first love.
“I am very happy and excited but it hasn’t sunk in yet, it still doesn’t feel real. It is an amazing feeling to win at such a big competition,” said Alea.
The youngster started dancing at a young age.
“I have been with my trainer/coach, Mary-Anne Janse van Vuuren from when I started dancing at Dynamic Dance Studio in Nimrod Park,” said Alea.
“I am the 2017 freestyle South African champion. I also won Battle of the Giants four years in a row in freestyle or slow dance, won juvenile achiever at the Central Free State Freestyle Festival and the hip-hop category at the Discorama earlier this year.”
Renee explained there are levels in the dance world and a dancer earns points which move them up the ranks from beginner. Alea achieved champion status in freestyle, slow dance and disco at the age of eight.
Alea also dances at school and has a bit of a hectic schedule dancing two to three hours a day.
“People have asked me whether dancing hasn’t negatively affected her studies, but it has actually done the opposite,” Renee told Express.
“It has taught her discipline and time-management. She plans her day and activities to ensure everything is attended to. She is in the top 10 at school and has been since Grade One, so from a mommy’s side I am happy.”
The world champion has taken planning to another level and has a three-year dance plan for her competitions.
“I want to go back to Blackpool next year and try to defend my title, and in 2020 I want to compete in Italy for hip-hop and in 2021 I want to go to Poland to compete in the modern dance category,” said Alea.
“I want to be a forensic scientist when I grow up, but also want to dance part-time while studying and teach children. I thank my coach and trainer for all she has helped me with because I would never have gotten where I am today without her. I want to thank my parents, family and friends for all their support.”
