An acrobatic dancer has been shortlisted for this year’s Red Bull Dance Your Style national title. A faultless performance during the competition leg held in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 10 August, earned him a slot.
Tshotleho Gatebe (20), known by his stage name “Vandal Bujwa”, qualified to compete for the national title of the contest set for 7 September in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The winner thereof gets the title and a chance to compete against winners from other countries. This is an opportunity offered by the sponsor for dancers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
After falling short last year, Gatebe said he went back to practise to execute moves with precision and was duly crowned the king of the Free State dance floor. He outsmarted other contestants with his thrilling dance moves after a one-on-one face-off.
Enthralled onlookers voted Gatebe as the deserving winner, noting his ability to focus on freestyle dancing. He feels rewarded for his efforts to perfecting his performance.
“I have been training hard since last year to get better this year after realising where I had made faults.
“I was attending five-hour sessions to practise for this as I wanted to win. So, it’s an honour to win,” said Gatebe.
The dancer originates from Ha-Ntshabeng in Qwaqwa, the largest township in the eastern Free State. He is currently based in Bloemfontein due to furthering his studies. Gatebe is in his second year towards a Bachelor of Education qualification at the University of the Free State (UFS). He credits his brother Zakia Moloi for his interest in choreography, training, and mentorship.
