FREESTYLE . . . whack . . . burn . . . crew . . . down . . .
Local hip hop dancers Jayden Coetzee (18), Iviwe Oldjohn (17), Caleb Bruiners (16), Oyisa Oldjohn (16), Chanté Prince (16) and Lihle Sigenu (15) will take to the stage at the International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) in Johannesburg on October 6 – all in the hope of being scouted by top international talent agencies.
Should they impress the judges with their moves, they will be afforded a slot at the highly-coveted Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) in 2019, held annually in Orlando, Florida.
Founded by international talent scout Kim Meyers, IATS, the South African leg of ARTS, gives youngsters a platform to showcase their talent locally, an opportunity to travel abroad and the chance at international education.
New Legacy
According to New Legacy group member Iviwe, the group can dance to any beat, whether it is hip hop, contemporary or modern dancing, or afro-beat – except for ballet.
“To ensure that we are at the top of our game, we practise three to four days a week – including Saturdays – at Global Leadership Academy in Jeffreys Bay,” says Iviwe.
“Instead of the usual mirrors found in professional studios, we use the reflecting white boards in the classrooms to evaluate our dance moves and to see where we can improve.
“We do all our own choreography – it is a group effort. We will come up with a new idea or concept, and put it together into something amazing as a group.”
Their repertoire includes performances at various schools, churches, and special occasions. They are also available for private functions.
“When we dance, we feel free,” says Iviwe. “We can express ourselves and release unnecessary tension – we can block out the world.”For more information or to support the group, contact Legacy Chairperson Semonia Bruiners at 079 742 7545.
