Groutville’s teenage line dancing troupe completed a hugely successful first trip to the South African Line Dancing Open Championships.

The 13 competitors, coached by Dance Café’s Colin Mandell and Terri Taylor, embarked on the challenge after raising more than R50 000 in donations.

Initially, although the dancers had qualified through local competitions, they would not have been able to travel given the associated financial costs.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped to make this possible, from donations of R100 to those from big corporates.

A combination of spreading the word, Vision 153 and iNala’s help and a massive push from The North Coast Courier has given these children an amazing opportunity,” said Mandell.

Held in Welkom on October 8 and 9, the SA Open brought together the best country and western dancers from across the country, providing the highest standard of local competition possible.

“Not only were the children ready, but their results were beyond our expectations. Most of the dancers got through their heats and some even won their sections.

“This is against more seasoned and better resourced teens who attend dance classes in far better studios much more frequently,” he said.

Celine Adam took individual gold in the youth social line dance category, while also winning the pattern partners section with Ashley Chareka.

Samelisiwe Mchunu won the teen social line dance category and teachers Mandell and Taylor won the country couples section.

To cap it all off, Dance Café won the award for Most Progressive Dance Studio, providing a perfect end to the week.

The past three months of tuition and competition represent far more than learning how to dance, however.

“Most of the kids attending this competition were from privileged homes but were extremely welcoming towards our group, and the chemistry between them all was palpable.

“It was not forced or contrived but just kids interacting with kids despite cultural, language, geographic and economic differences.

“We watched as the more experienced teens helped our group with make-up, costumes, new dances and so much more. It was wonderful to see, and it has changed the lives of both groups.”

Given the initial success of the programme, Mandell hopes it will become self-sustaining going forward with the teens spreading their knowledge back into the community.

“It is about buying into the idea that if we all make a small gesture or contribution, we can truly change people’s lives. We all have that ability.”

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