The first time I saw a Gotcha Jumps class in the parking area at the Gateway Centre I was in awe and I thought it impossible for middle-aged women to use this method to stay fit and healthy. . . it requires balance, energy and endurance.
But Shontal Lottering and a group of moms of Hermanus proved me wrong, as they won gold and silver at the recent South African Championship of the Performing Arts.
“This achievement is definitely an inspirational message to all the woman who think they are too old to still have fun while exercising. Who would have thought a bunch of moms who started gym classes together a year ago would go off to the SA championships and come home with a gold and silver medal,” Shontal stated.
The road to this achievement is also a unique story. Shontal was working on achieving her trainer’s certification (being the first licenced instructor in South Africa) and one of the requirements was to enter a competition.
“Well, to be honest the competition never crossed my mind, until a lady tried out a Gotcha Jumps class, and said we will be amazing if we could implement more dance into it. I approached some of the ladies that live to jump. These ladies, Michelle du Plessis, Karin Smuts, Kirstie Bothma, Roxanne Dover, Chantal Muller, Michelle Swart and Julia Hutton join every jump class and showed a real passion for rebounding boots (we use two different brands and for that reason we are not specific).
“From there the team grew and we eventually entered our first competition.”
She watched a few dance videos, put on her boots and started putting the choreography together.
“I hired an international DJ to remix music for me according to specifications given, and that is how we entered for our Western Cape Championships. There were many extra hours after classes that we would go over the routines, even rethink some of the transition parts, but as a team we generally worked hard towards something special and amazing.”’
Once they were announced as the winners at the Western Cape Championships, they started with raffle tickets and fund raisers, as they all knew this trip to Rustenburg was going to cost a pretty penny.
“With the support of the Hermanus community we managed to raise R25 000.”
They entered their Irish routine (dance) for a small group age 30 plus and won gold. For their Jumps and Jazz (variety act) they won a silver medal.
According to Shontal, the secret to their success is the team effort. “We motivate each other and we are all driven by our own goals, once those goals align with the same people it makes the team stronger. I have never seen a bunch of ladies get so upset with themselves if they feel they have let the team down. They are such an inspirational bunch of dedicated women.”
The team consists of a variety of members, all over 30 years and up to 50 years old – all working and most are moms. Shontal explained: “These ladies have so many qualities that they bring to the team, they are a crazy bunch who enjoy living life to the fullest, not missing out on opportunities nor on having fun. This team gives laughter its rightful name, and it is spread every day. What more could a person ask for? Being part of this has been such a joy and such an honour.”
Now the hard work starts and they must find sponsors and raise funds for the World Championships in Los Angeles in 2024.
“I know these girls have it in them to want to go to the world championships and show the world you are never too old to learn to dance and compete. The world is your oyster and this experience taught me that you’re never too old to dance, especially on rebounding boots, they protect your joints 80%”
For more information or to sponsor them, contact Shontal on 082 612 4652.
