Teen dancer Shaylin Moore chases world championship dream
Years of dedication, resilience through injury and a love of dance have earned one Johannesburg teenager a place among the country's rising stars.
Some dreams begin in a classroom. Others begin in a dance studio.
For Shaylin Moore, dance has always been part of who she is. Raised in a studio owned by her grandmother, Diana Moore, and inspired by her late mother, Ashleigh, a professional dancer and trainer, she has spent years turning passion into purpose.
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Today, the De La Salle Holy Cross College Grade 8 learner is reaping the rewards of that dedication after qualifying for the South African Body of Dance (Sabod) Nationals on August 8. A podium finish there could earn her a place at the International Dance Organisation World Championships in Slovenia later this year. “My mom inspired me to dance. It runs in our family, and it was a definite no-brainer that I would follow my roots,” she said.
Although she has collected numerous medals throughout her years of dance, Shaylin said the two special awards she received at Dance International that took place in June are among the achievements she treasures most. “Receiving recognition for standout performances means more to me than winning a medal.”
Behind every polished performance are countless hours of training, while balancing school, netball and cheerleading. Even a broken toe and ongoing back problems have not stopped her from chasing her goals.
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Her aunt, Natalie Baty, who helps coordinate Shaylin’s demanding schedule, describes her as a dancer who performs from her heart and soul. “She gives you goosebumps when she performs. She was born to dance,” Baty said.
Now preparing for the Sabod Nationals, Shaylin is focused on giving her very best. “My advice to young dancers is don’t give up when something is hard. Keep trying, believe in yourself and never stop chasing your dreams.”
For Shaylin, every routine is more than a performance. It is a tribute to the woman who first taught her to dance and a reminder that some dreams never stop moving.
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