The 2023 Miss Teen Belly Dance South Africa winner is none other than Strandfontein local, Tyler Adams.
She was officially crowned on Saturday 18 March, representing Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio based in San Remo.
This was her first time participating in the event and her proud mom, Natalie Southgate says the journey to the crown came with a lot of practice.
“There was lots of practicing involved for this particular event. They had extra classes three times a week, we had to outsource and upskill the dancers, fortunately for the National Lotteries Commission sponsorship, we could afford professional teachers in other genres to assist teaching,” she says.
“Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio sponsored by the National Lottery Commission has made it possible for the girls to enter this particular event held in Roodepoort. This competition was for the Miss SA Teen Belly title. There were about 20 plus schools as well as independent performances. Each school would have about 10 individual entries or group dancing.”
Adams also partook in another competition the week prior to this event. The World Cup Qualifier event saw Adams qualifying alongside another Aphrodite dancer, Zoe Harker to represent South Africa in the World Cup at the end of June in Portugal.
The Grade 11 learner from Strandfontein High has been doing belly dancing from the age of 11. In primary school she came across a friend who was doing belly dance at the time and introduced her to the dance.
“Belly dancing is not really that popular among the youth, however Director Stephanie Singh tries her utmost best to get the community involved with Belly Dancing,” says Southgate.
Adams says dance has helped her build confidence.
“Being bullied at a young age has made me lose my self esteem.When my friend introduced me to belly dance I felt myself and could be myself around people. I became more open to dancing in front of my peers at school and that helped me gain more confidence in myself. I would like to encourage all women out there regardless of age, shape or size to believe in themselves. Nothing is impossible.”
Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio caters to dancers aged between 5 and 60. They have also participated in the Cape Town Carnival for the 13th year.
- To get in touch with Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio, contact Director Stephanie Singh on 0723176139.
