Since starting to give Hip Hop dance lessons to youth in the community, a group of Goodwood friends say their students have shown impressive improvement.
SP Dance Studios co-founder Shane Pretorius says the students’ dance skills show they are ready to perform internationally.
“When we started teaching dance back in 2016 we noticed how easy it is for kids to get involved in bad activities.
“We wanted those bad activities to look as uncool as they really are and make them see that doing good gives one a sense of pride,” he explains.
Although the young ones are not charged to take part, Pretorius says that some parents who have the means to donate do so willingly.
“We always appreciate it when parents offer donations, although they do not need to.
“That really helps cover costs for competitions and events that we host regularly.”
Pretorius says the money also helped to buy prizes for winning participants of the in-house competitions.
As activities were limited during the hard lockdown in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, SP Dance Studios moved their inhouse competitions online.
“They had to submit audition videos of their choreography and the audience could watch the finale online.
“Although there were many challenges we faced at the time, the students kept their enthusiasm and never felt discouraged. That showed us how much they love dancing and assured us that we are still on the right track.”
With lockdown regulations becoming less strict, Pretorius says they are able to host competitions again.
“Besides being able to host competitions again, interest from prospective students is increasing by the week.”
SP Dance Studios dancers will compete in yet another inhouse competition at the Merriman Lions Club hall this Saturday 27 November.
- For more information email s.p.dancestudio2016@gmail.com.
