Palesa Masimene – a young lady to be watched

Eleven years old Palesa Masimene is a seasoned model and a top dancer at Frieda’s Dance Studio in the city and has never disappointed.
Not only has this young star excelled by winning a host of international, national and local awards for modelling, but she is equally familiar with the dance scene where she made her mark as tap-, modern-, hip hop- novelty- and improvisation dancer.
Palesa has been dancing with her instructor, Frieda Lombaard since she started school at Pemps in Grade R and Frieda says that she knew from the start that Palesa had the quality to become a star.
Palesa has only achieved top results since her first dance exam and this year was no exception.
“2015 was a roller coaster dance year for Palesa with numerous achievements,” said Lombaard.
During the annual dance examination (AIDT) that took place in August, Palesa obtained Honours with Distinction for both her tap and modern dancing items. She also received “Da Bomb”, with a top mark for her Hip Hop exam.
During the annual internal Solo Dance Competition in September Palesa took the honours in achieving first place in the tap, modern and hip hop categories. The Bosveld Dance Festival that took place during November was no exemption and Palesa obtained a host of accolades that included four platinum awards for tap, modern, novelty and improvisation with marks between 95 and 100%.
She was also crowned as best tap dancer, best modern dancer and best novelty dancer in the 13 years and under age group, and as best personality overall.
Palesa ended her year’s performances when she entertained her fellow dancers with her four dance items during the studio’s year end function.
Lombaard, having taught dancing in the city for more that 18 years, said Palesa was the most promising dancer she has ever taught and has a bright future ahead. “Palesa is a very humble, kind and loving child,” she remarked.
Palesa was crowned as Miss Polokwane Observer Junior Teen 2015 in the 10-12 years age group in July this year. Other achievements include her crowning as Princess of the Sea International in 2012, first runner-up in the Mini Miss Nations International Contest 2012 and overall winner of the Mini Princess of the Sea International in Brazil in 2013.
During 2010 Palesa was crowned as Little Miss Daisy and in 2011 as Little Miss Winter, First Princess Of Miss Valentine and Miss Thornhill and Second Princess of the Little Miss Polokwane Show Competition. In 2012 she won the Queen of the Little Miss Lovely and Little Miss Polokwane Show titles.

BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com