The talented nine-year-old Amber Visser, an award-winning dancer from Sunward Park is ready to jet off to Europe next year July/August to participate in the Dance World Cup 2020.

“I’m so excited and nervous about being able to compete in the world cup. The competition would’ve taken place in Rome this year around July; however, they had to postpone it due to the pandemic.

“I was so disappointed about not being able to compete that I wanted to cry. Luckily, I feel much better now that I know I’ll be able to compete next year.

“Both 2020 and 2021’s competition will be held next year at the same time and venue,” said the learner from St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls.

Amber qualified to compete in the lyrical, a dance she only recently started to practise, section at the competition.

“In order to qualify, I had to achieve more than 70 per cent during the South African qualifying rounds. I also qualified for ballet, but didn’t make the national team like I did with my lyrical dancing,” the dancer explained.

Amber practises ballet at Quaywake Dance Academy and at Live To Dance she focuses on lyrical and freestyle, one of her other favourite dance styles. The dancer admitted the lockdown was frustrating for her at times due to the negative impact it had on her dancing and preparations for the Dance World Cup.

“It’s extremely difficult not being able to practise with my friends at the studio, and I’m sad about all the competitions that had to be cancelled. At least my dance instructors, Justone du Plessis and Sasha-Lee Herbst, did a lot to keep me motivated.

“I spent approximately an hour a day on my dancing. We had online dancing classes and I worked on my fitness as much as I could, but it’s not the same. I just can’t wait to go back to the studio again.”

Amber started to dance when she was three years old. Over the years, she excelled in competitions such as the Battle of the Giants, Phoenix Legacy Dance Championship and South Africa Dance Teachers Association Championship.

One of Amber’s biggest dreams is to participate in the World Freestyle Dance Championship.

Her mother, Stacey, said she could not be any prouder of her daughter’s achievements.

“I’m so ecstatic. She just started with lyrical dancing a few months ago and now she’s already in the national team.”

The lockdown was tough for her at times, but she didn’t let anything get her down. She just continued to work hard on Justone’s choreography and mastered a new dance style.

“We tried to keep her motivated by reminding her she doesn’t have to stop dancing and she’ll be able to dance next year,” Stacey pointed out.

She added they are still in need of funds for Amber’s trip to Europe. Anybody willing to contribute may contact Stacey on 082 480 9657.The public can also assist by purchasing Amber and her friend, Suné Colyn’s, Lidy lip and body scrub.

Also read: Concordia learner achieves third place at World Freestyle Championship