A local young dancer is calling on the community for support as she pursues her ultimate dream: performing on the big stage in New York’s sold-out theatres.
Eleven-year-old Gia Schiedekat has earned the prestigious opportunity to represent South Africa at an international competition in Croatia this May – a stepping stone that could open doors to the world’s biggest stages. However, she needs the community’s help to make this golden opportunity a reality.
The Cape Town dance student’s outstanding performance at the competitive Dancestar Qualifiers secured her coveted spot on the national team.
Now, she’s ready to showcase her versatile talents – spanning ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre and hip-hop – on the global stage.
For Gia, dancing isn’t just a hobby, it’s her heart’s calling. “I first started dancing in 2019 when I was five,” she recalls with a bright smile. “My preschool, Kids Cove in Gordon’s Bay, held these amazing concerts and I just loved being part of them.”
But it was stepping onto the competition stage at age six that changed everything. “The moment I walked out there for my first real competition, I knew this wasn’t just for fun anymore,” Gia explains. “This was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Rigorous training
When Gia learned she’d qualified for Croatia, she was overwhelmed with excitement and surprise, as the competition was incredibly tough. Her Dancestar Qualifiers experience was nothing short of amazing, with her three solos in the Junior category placing second and third, her Youth category duet earning fifth, and her group dances claiming first and third place, every entry securing qualification.
Despite nerves from competing against such talented dancers, her teacher’s backstage encouragement – “You can do this, just give your best” – kept her confident and focused.
Ask Gia about her favourite dance style, and her face lights up when she mentions musical theatre. “It’s so much fun to act and dance at the same time,” she beams. “Plus, I usually get all the exciting musical theatre pieces to perform.”
Her passion fuels a rigorous training regimen of two to four classes daily, each lasting 45 minutes. “It adds up to about nine to 12 hours of practise every week,” she notes matter-of-factly, demonstrating the dedication required to excel at her level.
The highlight of all those training hours? Learning new choreography, where technique meets artistry.
Preparation for Croatia is already underway, with specialised training sessions set to start soon. Though this will be Gia’s first overseas competition experience, it’s not her first international qualification – she’s earned spots in several other global competitions over the years, making this trip the perfect launching pad for her international dance career.
Beyond the studio, Gia has discovered her entrepreneurial spirit through a small business venture that’s as sweet as it is smart. She supplies her dance studio with fresh popcorn, channelling every dollar earned directly into dance exam and competition fees throughout the year.
The idea sparked from simple observation. “I saw students bringing snacks to the studio and thought, what if I could sell something?” Gia explains.
Message for other dancers
After brainstorming with her mom about healthy dancer-friendly options, popcorn emerged as the perfect solution. “We asked my teacher and she agreed to let me sell it.”
While her mom, Grete, provides essential preparation support, Gia has embraced the business lessons that come with entrepreneurship. “Running a small business has taught me so much about money – what things cost and how to budget,” she reflects. “I learned that I need to spend money on ingredients and packaging to make a profit, because I just wanted to save everything and not spend anything.”
Most importantly, the venture connects directly to her passion.
For other aspiring young dancers, Gia’s message is heartfelt and honest: “Work hard, always believe in yourself and continue to find the joy in dance.”
The opportunity to represent SA abroad carries profound meaning, as she’ll be showcasing not only her country but also “my dance school where I have trained for hours to get where I am”.
Her journey wouldn’t be possible without her incredible support system – her mother, her dedicated teacher Antoinette de Villiers from Rhapsody Dance Centre and her beloved grandmother, “Ma Debbie”.
Those wanting to help Gia reach Croatia can contribute through her Back-a-Buddy crowdfunding campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-gia-to-get-to-croatia.
