Their motto is “hard work pays off” and this proved to be true for the Kensington Dance Crew (KDC) as they danced their way through to the World of Dance national qualifiers to be held in Johannesburg in December.
But now the team needs financial support to make the trip a reality.
World of Dance is the largest International Urban Dance Competition with the focus on the art of street dancing and new age choreography. It is known as the largest touring event that embraces Urban Dance and lifestyle.
The dancers, who will participate at the nationals, were chosen through auditions which took place across the country in July.
At the nationals the top dancers will be chosen to participate in the World of Dance Championships to be held in the United States of America (USA).
Charlene Palace, Centre manager at Kensington High School and one of the coaches, says they are ecstatic that they qualified for the nationals.
“Their performance at the auditions was quite good. It was quite difficult; they were under pressure. But on the day, they did their thing, and the result is that they are now heading to the nationals in Johannesburg.”
She says both the junior and the senior dance group qualified for the nationals. The group, consisting of about 12 crew members, hails from the Kensington and Factreton community.
Palace explains that they need transport funds, accommodation, new uniforms and shoes among others.
“We are trying to raise funds so that we can get to Joburg. Funds is a major problem, so we are trying to get people involved. We need some sponsors to get us to Joburg and back.”
Palace says despite the financial setback the team is experiencing mixed emotions.
“We are extremely proud. They are excited, nervous and scared all at once.”
She says the crew is passionate about their craft.
“It’s not just dancing for them. This is their passion, their way of expressing how they feel. Some of them go through hardships at school and at home, so when they come to dance, they are there to express themselves. They can’t maybe say what they feel, so they do it through dance.”
Palace says their goal is also to make it to the USA.
“When they go to Johannesburg, they will go to do their best and to enjoy themselves. This is a big opportunity for them.”
Palace thanked David Stemmet, founder of the group, for all his efforts and hard work in ensuring that the team grows.
The group is no stranger to the dancing scene and has a few winning titles in the bag. In 2018, they won the Hip Hop International competition and last year they won second place in the 021 Best Dance Crew competition.
They have also made several appearances on SABC’s Expresso Morning Show.
Stemmet (23) says the team is elated as this will be their first time competing for the World of Dance competition.
He says the team is also preparing and rehearsing for this year’s edition of the 021 Best Dance Crew next month.
Stemmet explains that the team is hard at work preparing for the trip to Johannesburg.
Their aim is to win the big prize.
“We are going there for the experience, it’s our first time entering the nationals; that in itself as an achievement.”
- To donate contact Charlene on 021 593 3050.
