A dance in the right direction

The dancing duo of Macaela Davies and Stephanie van der Riet earned their spot among the top ranks during their run at the Germiston Eisteddfod on Saturday, August 21.

Both received diplomas for their single dance routines, which is the highest award in this type of competition. They received gold for their duet.

The 27-year-old Stephanie never planned on going into dance. Her mom, in fact, started with the whole thing about five years ago when she and some friends attended a few classes. But, the friends didn’t last long and she asked Stephanie to join her at belly dancing classes. Stephanie instantly fell in love with the sport and joined Synergy Worx in Monument.

“I noticed there were other styles as well and started doing everything. I competed in contemporary but also do hip hop, lyrical, acro, cheer, belly and Broadway dancing. I enjoy the challenge and it’s a good release. In today’s life you can’t always say and do what you want to, so it teaches discipline,” Stephanie said.

Macaela, 15, started dancing a year ago, having first attended class at another institute but left after a week. She and her father drove past Synergy one day and she knew she had to check it out.

“I’ve always had a passion for dancing; it’s a way of escaping reality. I don’t like therapy, so dancing is my therapy,” Macaela said, explaining that she mainly does contemporary, acro, hip hop and Broadway. “The best part is living out your feelings through dancing. I suffer from social anxiety and when I dance I don’t have to speak, and one can show one’s feelings.”

Stephanie said, “The most difficult part is that when you battle with a new step. If you don’t practise it, you’re going to lose it. The best part is that I can go to a place, make new friends and have fun. It’s like a little family you get to go to every day. Also, I love to be challenged.”

Macaela explained the most difficult part of dancing for her is “… being around people who can do specific things, specific moves and you’re the only one in the group who can’t do it. It’s a lot of pressure to try and get it right. Also, working on flexibility – some people can’t become flexible easily.”

“We did the duet in two weeks because we decided on it at the last moment. We had to choose our song and make sure we both connected to it,” Stephanie said, with Macaela adding, “Duets are very challenging, especially with the same gender. Your movements have to be on point and at the same time otherwise you lose marks.”

Both want to work their way up to their SA colours and make it into the diamond team to compete in Barcelona in 2023.