The Lowveld’s own ballerina is en pointe!
Surané Koch started ballet lessons at the tender age of three and it was not long before she told her mother about her dream to become a dance teacher.
At 19 Koch began her own studio and had in recent years added the Energy and Classic styles of Solo Danca Latina to her teaching repertoire. She has plans to obtain her qualification for the Latin style next year.
Dancing made me so happy in life, through all the many ups and downs. I want to pass that onto others,” she says.
Surané’s Dance Academy (SDA) started with 20 students, mostly of preschool age.
“I used to go around to many schools and teach the little ones ballet. Today there are over 140 kids of all ages at the academy and we offer many styles of dance. We have come a long way,” Koch gushes.
She and an assistant cover Barberton on Mondays and Thursdays. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to Mbombela and Koch travels to Ngodwana on Thursdays. Friday is kept open for administration and errands.
“I am fortunate as I don’t necessarily need to work, but this is my dance family. It is like a little seed which I have watched grow year on year. Dancing and the studio are my roots. I can’t stop now.”
SDA will present its annual parents’ evening at Mbombela Civic Centre on Friday evening. Tickets are already sold out for the Fantasia-themed event and the students are incredibly excited.
“This is the highlight of the year and it provides the opportunity for the students to show off what they have learned and what they are capable of. There will be bright neon costumes and lights and cool music. There are also 26 items on the programme showcasing the different styles of dance we teach.”
She adds that she will perform the final solo number as a symbol of gratitude to her students and their parents.
Often, words can’t describe how you feel. Dancing is my way of expressing myself. All of us at the academy are so privileged to be able to walk and dance and we sometimes take it for granted. Because I am able to dance, I want to use my talent to say thank you,” Koch says.
Not only is she a talented dancer, she is also an accomplished horse rider. When she has time off, she rides Varlet Umfolozi The Second and Swazi Lizkar Life of Lagos. She participates in showjumping, dressage and showing competitions.
Recently, she ticked off a wish on her bucket list when she participated in a form of dressage competition, called Musical Kur – or freestyle to music – where the horse’s paces are set to music to create a competitive “dance”.
