Polokwane dance duo live their passion

POLOKWANE – At just 16 years old, Deogratia Malema has already participated in the South African Achievers and National Championships alongside her partner, Neo Masemola.

The duo, based in Polokwane, has been dancing together for three years, mastering styles such as samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, and jive.

Malema’s passion for dance ignited from watching ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, while Masemola drew inspiration from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

“It was so fascinating that I wanted to be part of the society full of sparking passion and creativity, inspiring new generations of dancers and most importantly building a community and connection through dancing,” Masemola said.

Malema highlighted the challenge of training her muscles to adapt to complex movements.

“Sometimes you might make a mistake while dancing, but you need to smile, continue, and act like it was part of the routine. To improve hip movement, mastering leg basics is essential; if they’re not correct, the hips won’t move properly.”

Masemola aspires to share a stage with his current coach, Obed Mofoleng, while Malema admires Gabriele Goffredo for his musicality and movement.

Malema aims to teach others about the beauty of dance, whereas Masemola’s goal is to perform internationally, showcasing the diverse skills they’ve acquired.

Offering advice to aspiring dancers, Malema said: “Practice makes perfect, so you need to practice as much as you can to adapt quickly to choreography. Never lose hope for what you love most because you’re doing it for yourself, not others. Keep your head high.”