‘Flying boy’ Sizo is world champion
He started doing flips and stretches at home and it made his parents realise that Sizo had a hidden talent and that he must pursue it.
Talented dancer Sizolwethu ‘Flying Boy’ Ngidi (11) of Gamalake started doing flips and stretches at home about two years ago, and now he has been crowned the 2024 World Freestyle Champion.
Sizo represented South Africa at the World Freestyle Championships in his division at Winter Gardens, Blackpool, in the UK recently.
He returned home with the title of World Freestyle Champion and runner-up of the Slow Dance Championship.
Sizo’s father, Dumisani Ngidi, said his son, a Grade six learner at Port Shepstone Senior Primary, had the time of his life.
“My son was at the iconic Winter Gardens Ballroom. He walked the streets of Blackpool with his mother, Gugu, with a lot of Mzansi swag.”
“His first day for Slow Dance was a bit tough. The standards were high, but he still managed to take second place. However, the next night, Sizo pulled out all the stops and came back guns blazing, won the freestyle event, and was crowned the world champion.”
Dumisani, who could not make the trip, said Sizo was over the moon, and as parents, they are super proud of him.
Sizo and his mother returned home on Tuesday evening this week and were given a surprise party by Dumisani’s sister, Rita Nzama.
“Family and friends, including members of the IFP, welcomed the champion back home. We thank all sponsors, family and friends and those who have assisted in making my son’s dream come true,” said Dumisani.
According to Sizo, the contest was a very different environment for him because it was his first time flying overseas for a dance competition.
“The competition was insane because there were excellent dancers from around the world. I am delighted to be world champion for freestyle in the U12 boys division. I would like to give a special thanks to my dance teachers, Senicia Du Toit Breytenbach and Talita Helberg, my mentor, Junior Dilape, sponsors and my South African teammates.”
Talitha was overjoyed with Sizo’s accomplishments.
“In all honestly, I had no doubt in my mind that he was going to accomplish what he did. He is a phenomenal dancer and works extremely hard with no complaints. Therefore, I can only say there is no one in all my 23 years of experience as a dance trainer that deserves these accolades more than Sizo.”
Professional South African dancer Adam Spittal said he was honoured to be a part of Sizo’s journey and will always cherish the fun classes they shared.
“Sizo, you are truly talented, and God has gifted you with that talent for a reason, so go out there and show it to the world.”
A family member, Lethiwe MaMngadi Nzama, said: ‘Flying Boy’ – you have worked extremely hard to get where you are, we are so proud of you.”
Last year, Sizo was crowned the 2023 South African Dance Teachers’ Association’s (Sadta) SA dance champion after achieving his Sadta colours at a provincial competition as part of the KZN team.
Now, Sizo will represent South Africa at the 2024 IDO Disco World Championships in Mulheim, Germany, from October 24 to 27.
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