Parkwood’s Isabella Marais dances through Mr & Miss Ace Models International Pageant
An eight-year-old dancer is combining discipline and courage as she prepares to step onto the national pageant stage in December.
From ballet competitions to the pageant stage, eight-year-old Parkwood resident Isabella Marais is embracing a journey that is teaching her that confidence, courage and big dreams can go hand in hand.
Isabella is currently representing Rosebank as a finalist for Ace Models Rosebank at the Mr & Miss Ace Models International Pageant, taking place in December.
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What began as an exciting opportunity has become a wonderful journey of personal growth for Isabella. Along the way, she has gained valuable experience on stage and in front of an audience, while developing confidence, communication, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
A passionate ballerina, Isabella trains regularly and competes in ballet competitions, giving her years of experience performing on stage. Dance has taught her the importance of discipline, dedication and perseverance, qualities she is now carrying into her pageant journey.
The eight-year-old enjoyed a number of exciting opportunities this year, including walking at SA Kids Fashion Week, being signed by GAPA Models, and being selected and cast for Africa International Kids Fashion Week.
For Isabella, however, the journey is about far more than appearances or competition; it is about learning to express herself, meeting new people, taking on challenges and discovering what she is capable of.
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Her mother, Hannah, said the greatest reward has been seeing Isabella grow in confidence. “It has been wonderful watching her discover what she is capable of. The biggest achievement isn’t necessarily a title or a particular opportunity, but seeing her confidence grow and watching her learn that with commitment, courage and a positive attitude, she can achieve the goals she sets for herself.”
Isabella is also grateful to the local businesses supporting her on her journey to the pageant finals, as well as the overall pageant sponsors. Their support has played an important role in making this experience possible and highlights the wonderful impact that local businesses can have when they get behind young talent in their community.
As Isabella looks ahead to the December finals, she continues to balance her pageant journey with ballet, school, friends and simply enjoying being eight years old.
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