Nine-year-old Alexia Sidersky from Redhill School has emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest young dance talents after a series of outstanding performances across three major national competitions.

From her early beginnings in ballet at the age of three, Alexia has blossomed into a versatile and passionate performer, mastering Acrodance, Jazz, Lyrical, and her personal favourite Show Dance.

Her journey is driven by a deep love for music and movement, inspired by watching school plays and older dancers at her studio.

Read more: Prom Me Up campaign supports Fidelitas learners Matric Dance dreams

“I’ve always loved hearing new songs and moving my body to the music,” she said. “Because I was flexible from a young age, it helped me explore different types of dance easily.”

Her talent and dedication were on full display on midterm holidays. Alexia competed at the Battle of the Giants held at Sun City from June 30 to July 2, in the U12 category and shone brightly, placing first for
Acrodance as part of a trio, and securing two impressive second-place finishes for both her Lyrical and Show Dance solos.

She also competed at the Dance Fusion held on July 3 to July 4 in Midstream, where she continued her winning streak by earning two platinum medals and one gold for her performances.

She also placed first for Show Dance and second for Jazz, and received a special Judges’ Award for Ultimate Performer and Technique, a rare honour recognising both her stage presence and technical excellence.

These outstanding results also earned her a spot on the South African team heading to Singapore this December, where she will represent the country on the international stage.

Alexia once again took home a podium finish, placing second in Show Dance in the U12 category at the South African Body of Dance (SABOD) competition held on July 6 in Modderfontein.

She now looks ahead to Nationals in August, where she’ll be competing for her SA colours, one of the highest honours in South African competitive dance.

Despite her packed schedule, which includes dancing almost every day, group and solo classes, tumbling, and school sports like netball, hockey, and swimming, Alexia still finds time to be a child.

“Before going on stage, I like to laugh and joke around with my dance friends. It calms my nerves. And when I hear my teacher and friends cheering backstage, it reminds me I’m not alone.”

As for setbacks, Alexia has already learned to handle them with maturity beyond her years. “It’s disappointing when you don’t score as well as you hoped, but I’ve learnt that feedback helps me improve. It builds resilience and grit.”

Looking ahead, Alexia dreams of becoming a professional dancer. For now, her favourite routine is a sassy Jazz number to ‘New York, New York.’

And if she was not dancing? “I’d probably be playing more netball and hockey, even though my mom wishes I did more reading or maths.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!