Dance Movement dancer pops and locks his way to world championship victory [Video]
Chay Jordan Rory Botman made his supporters and country proud when he placed first in his category at the world street dance championships.
FEELING the rhythm of the booming music, the flashing lights and most importantly the backing of his dance crew, friends and family, Dance Movement’s Chay Jordan Rory Botman popped, locked and danced his ways to claim the world street dance championship.
Also read: Help Wentworth dancers breakdance to world champs
The 23-year-old dancer took home the win in the solo advanced over-18 at the UDO World Championships in Blackpool, England, from August 13–17, where he got to dance against some of the globe’s best dancers.
It’s been two weeks since, and Botman said he still can’t believe he can call himself a world champion.
“I cannot describe what I was feeling, all I can say is that it was all God’s plan. Hearing my name announced was nothing short of the payoff for all the efforts I have been putting in,” said Botman.
He began dancing at the age of six. Inspired and motivated by his grandmother, Irma Brandt, he would dance for hours on end in front of the television without ever knowing that the carefree hours would become a lifelong passion.
@sun.newspapers Dance Movement’s Chay Jordan Rory Botman won the solo advanced over-18 title at the UDO World Championships in England. #southlandssun #dance
Now Botman commands the stage with a mind-boggling repertoire, from breaking, locking, and popping to hip hop and krump. For him, dance is not only performance; it is an escape, a way of storytelling and a way of coping with life’s dilemmas.
“The emotion and freedom dance brings is incredible, it is an escape from all the cruelty the world offers and brings light into the world. Dance for me has helped me learn to control myself while still being able to let loose and just be an expression of my emotions,” Botman said.
Though his family celebrated his win in Cape Town, Botman credits a great deal of his success to Dance Movement and its artistic director Jarryd Watson.
“Special thanks to Jarryd for making all this possible, to the Dance Movement crew and to all the parents who have supported me and the crew. And of course, thanks to my family back home and to the God for blessing me with this gift,” said Botman.
On the grand stage in Blackpool, Botman didn’t just win a title, he highlighted the power of dance as a language of strength and artistry. His feat serves as an inspiration to many who are a part of Dance Movement, as well as to other young people hoping to make a name for themselves on an international stage.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
