RUSTENBURG HERALD - SUN CITY - In a showcase of talent, flair and exceptional dance routines, the South African Body of Dance (SABOD) and International Dance Organisation (IDO) joined forces to host a week-long dance competition that truly redefined the dance landscape in Africa.
This inaugural event, dubbed the “IDO African Championships – Battle of the Giants”, took place at the spectacular venue of the Superbowl at Sun City, and 360 competitors and 41 dance schools (from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Hungary) gathered from 30 June to 3 July.
The dance competition took the format of an “open” championship and required no qualifying process for dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Show Dance, Tap, Contemporary, AfroFusion, Disco Dance, and so much more.
On Wednesday evening, in a fabulous culmination of talent, a gala evening took place where over 40 dance schools took part in a grand parade and the African Solo champion (Clarishca Viljoen from DanceIt Studios in Johannesburg) was crowned from amongst the week’s winners.
SABOD is affiliated to the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa, which is the controlling body of Dance Sport in our country and who applies to SASCOC on behalf of the dancers, for Protea Colours.
“This isn’t just a competition; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a historic moment where Africa steps onto the global stage as a premier dance destination,” the organisers, Bev and Warren Wood, commented. “For too long, the electrifying energy of major IDO events has been primarily experienced in Europe, and now this opportunity has been bestowed on Africa, where dance culture across the continent, will be amplified, showcasing Africa’s unique rhythms and unparalleled passion to the world.”
With music booming throughout the Super-bowl all week, it was difficult for the audience not to join and stomp feet, sing along and do some chair-dancing along with the dancers. The excitement was palpable and on the gala evening, Bev Wood, President of SABOD, commented that “the future of dance in South Africa looks brighter than ever.”
The event was also graced by the presence of various top dancing judges from both South Africa and abroad, including Lorcia Cooper Kumalo, South African television and dance icon, and international judge, Sylwana Patlaszynska, from Poland.
In an exclusive interview with Rustenburg Herald, Patlaszynska said: “The dancers are amazing.” She also urged the novice competitors to focus on their style and technique and not to be too afraid or stressed. “This is a dance adventure. Don’t give up.”
