Dean du Preez from Standerton dances for success

Dean du Preez, hip-hop dancer from Standerton, could still be able to see America next year after Covid-19 brought arrangements for this year to a halt.

“I looked forward to the experience so much and then everything fell apart,” he said.

“I realised that I want to be successful.”

Mieke Swart, who also planned to go, is as yet unsure whether she will travel.

Both of them were chosen to take part in the International Talent Showcase where aspiring models, actors, singers and dancers connect with top modelling agencies, leading agents, managers and casting directors.

The date for departing from Oliver Tambo-airport is 12 July to cross the Atlantic.

Dean will have the chance to compete in Baco Raton, Florida and this Grade 11-learner practised at home during lockdown.

“You have to motivate yourself, but it was no punishment at all,” he added.

It began when Cansa Socialite-workshops were held in Standerton and industry leaders were scouting for fresh talent.

Dean is proficient in the hip-hop genre and began practicing sometime in August for an hour and a half, once a week.

The Gereformeerde Kerk is where he will be found on Saturdays, under the watchful eye of Christiaan Els.

It is hip-hop, energy, slow style and Bhangra for the young man who has been dancing for six years.

“I did manage to put more of my personality in dancing, improved and now I enjoy it more.”

The online dancing has proven to be a challenge in the sense that your moves have to be coordinated in such a way as not to knock off something, with perhaps sentimental value from a table in mother’s sitting room.

No problem, Dean will just go outside.

As to the difference between online dancing and the one with spectators watching, he observed that the routine stays the same, but the adrenaline is missing.

An important event next in line is the South African Dance Championships where Dean will participate in Solo Dansa Latino.

He remains practical and studies videos over and over again to reach perfection. Sponsors have already contributed and the kitty is not full yet.

“I don’t like giving up, it’s not in my genes,” he concluded.