Youngster uses Nelspruit Eisteddfod as platform for awareness
A young Mbombela dancer recently made use of the eisteddfod stage to bring awareness to those living with disabilities.
The Nelspruit Eisteddfod brings out more than just talent in the youngsters who make their way on-stage for various art forms.
Christlene Spies (12), one of the dancers who performed last week, dedicated one of her six performances to creating awareness for people who live with disabilities.
Christlene herself suffers from anxiety, to such an extent that the decision was made for her to be homeschooled.
But the dancing helps, said the young dancer in an interview with Lowvelder.
A few years ago, her mother, Milly, took care of a boy in a wheelchair. During that time, he became very close to the family, and Christlene decided to dedicate her dance to him. She ended up getting an A++ for it.
In her effort to create awareness, she wishes to direct people’s attention to the fact that disabilities can manifest not only physically, but emotionally, as is the case with her anxiety.
Christlene received her Mpumalanga colours for dance last year, and qualified for the colours again this year.
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She started rehearsing the dance about six months ago, and said it was initially quite the challenge performing it. People would stare, but eventually she got used to it and stuck it out.
As proof that dancing helps her cope with her anxiety, she has not had an attack of it this year. Compared to previous incidents in which she would burst into tears and run off, she feels she has made progress.
Christlene wanted to say a special thank you to one of her dance teachers, Sam Gonzalves, whom she feels believes in her and who has encouraged her throughout her journey thus far.
