VIDEO: Pretoria ‘Rodeo Girls’ rope in another award

They also qualified to represent South Africa next year in New York, USA.

October 28, 2018

Corlia Kruger 2 minutes read

From left: Michelle and Mirtle van der Merwe, Elize Schutte, Ronnie Kotze, Susan Smit and Mirtle de Lange won gold in the Small Group category. Photo: Supplied

A renowned line-dancing group from Pretoria will once again be performing internationally after earning gold at the American Dance Awards hosted in the north of Pretoria.

The internationally acclaimed Rodeo Girls recently participated in the competition at Akasia community hall, among hundreds of dancers from around the country.

The group, consisting of young and elderly dancers, was founded 25 years ago by Lientjie Bayman in the Moot.

ALSO READ: A dancing legend is celebrated

“We have been competing internationally since 2005 and have always won ‘gold’ or ‘ultimate gold’,” Bayman said proudly.

“A DVD of our line dancers have been broadcast on the famous Phil Mack Country Show nationwide (on satellite TV), which has showcased famous performances and names like Shania Twain, Alan Jackson and Willie Nelson.”

In 2006, the Rodeo Girls received a “Legend” award at Carnival City along with other South African country legends.

“In August 2013, our group made it to the Independent Super Stars’ Hall of Fame for our professional contribution to line-dancing,” said Bayman.

ALSO READ: Kempton Park boy goes viral with Elvis dance moves

The rodeo dancers were also four-time winners of the international Ernie Oldfield Awards from Austria, from 2010 to 2013.

They have made several TV appearances alongside country legends such as Lance James.

WATCH:

“We welcome dancers of all ages and even men,” said Bayman.

During the recent American Dance Awards competition, the Rodeo Girls entered three categories.

“There were 1 364 entries, so we are very fortunate to have won awards in all three categories,” Bayman said.

In the “Trio” and “Small Group” categories, the girls won gold medals and special awards.

They also qualified to represent South Africa next year in New York, USA.

ALSO READ: Pretoria girl dazzles UK with dance

Dancers of 70 years and over entered the “Quartet” category and earned “high silver” for their “Forever Young – free electric band” dance performance.

“I want to thank all of my line dancers for their hard work and dedication,” said Bayman.

“Each and every one of you are winners.”