TSEBANG Siphambo scooped first place in the Adult Solo Achiever category at the Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Sport Festival in Sun City, North West from 20 to 23 April.
Dancers showed up in their numbers to showcase various dance styles, which included ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, disco dance, street dance, hip-hop, show dance, slow dance, freestyle and more.
This year, Afro styles, pantsula, sbujwa, as well as Afro crews and tap battles were introduced.
Tsebang (24) said she started dancing when she was only four years old.
She said having neuromuscular disorder led to her passion and love for dancing.
“After my final speech therapy sessions, there was no definite cure. My mom was then advised to take me to dancing classes and I never looked back. I am overwhelmed and grateful. It took a lot to prepare for this competition. I gave it my all and everything else is God’s plan," said Tsebang.
ALSO READ : Presenter dumps radio station after 10 years!
When encouraging others, the award-winning ballerina from Tshwane said it's important to be unique.
“Be inspired by others, but don't aspire to be like anyone."
Tsebang’s mother, Tamie Mokoena, said pride was an understatement for how she felt.
“I am extremely proud of her. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but she kept pushing.”
She said Tsebang believes in progressive dancing and her wish is for her to influence others positively.
Hip-hop judge Sipho Didiza from Joburg, said it was a tough competition.
“The battle section was very exciting," he said.
Sipho said it was great to see young people bring good talent. He encouraged the dancers to push harder and never give up.
Bev Wood, president of the South African Body of Dance, the organiser of this event, said the event was fantastic and successful.
“We hope to continue to grow the competition. Our mission is to tap into developing dancers and introduce more African styles to the competition,” said Wood.
Wood said she was committed to finding more sponsors and making a pleasant experience for the dancers.
Meanwhile, tap solo battle first position was scooped by Madison Versfeld from Joburg.
Madison said he's looking forward to next year's competition as he has learnt a lot from participating this year.
It’s For The Culture Crew took first position in the Afro Crews Achiever category, while The Ritual came first in the Adult Team Achiever category.
Loneo Sebesho and Remoabetswe Sebogodi from Joburg won first place in the Hip-Hop Duo category.
Remoabetswe Sebogodi also walked away with first place for the Female/Male All Styles Solo Battle. First place in The Amateur Jazz Small Groups went to Some Life It Hot.
Winners walked away with a lot of goodies from Tomato Watches, bags, bottles to travel vouchers and mid-week stay holidays at Sun City.
