- A talented hip-hop team from Fish Hoek, who won gold at the provincial Talent Africa competition, is preparing to represent the Western Cape at the national event in Johannesburg.
- The dancers, aged 15 to 21, have been training for years and are now fundraising to cover travel and participation costs.
- The team needs to raise R55,000 to make their dream of competing nationally a reality.
Talented hip-hop dancers from Fish Hoek, who walked away with gold status at the provincial leg of Talent Africa 2024 in July, have their eyes firmly set on representing the Western Cape at nationals next month (September).
The team of 10 dancers travels from as far afield as Plumstead and Ocean View to attend hip-hop classes at Thania’s Academy of Performing Arts, in Fish Hoek.
Director Thania Mandalios, who established the academy 12 years ago, offers hip-hop, modern dance, tap and musical theatre classes.
Mandalios says the dancers’ dream was always to represent the province at the national level.
“Many dancers in the team, aged 15 to 21, have been training for years,” she says.
“They are not only talented but work very hard and have grown very close through the various dance events we participate in. The group has competed in multiple competitions and always strives for excellence.”
Provincial colours
Clinching gold in the provincial Talent Africa competition means the team has qualified to receive their provincial colours through the Federation of Performing Arts South Africa. However, to receive provincial colours they must represent their province at a national level.
“It is the team’s common goal to represent our province at nationals,” says Mandolios. “They have dedicated hours of training to prepare for this event.”
The national leg will take place in Johannesburg from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 September and is a costly event for the group, which is fundraising to achieve its goal.
“We need to get to the national competition in Johannesburg, but this is a costly affair,” Mandolios shares.
The team needs to raise a total of R55 000 or R5 000 per dancer and coach.
“Support can be shown through our studio show The Way We Move, which is coming up in September at The Masque Theatre,” Mandolios adds.
- Anyone wishing to donate or purchase raffles to assist with fundraising efforts can contact her through WhatsApp 063 695 5876 or they can call/SMS 079 028 5189.
