PICS: Rumba in the jungle
|Published
A Heideveld teen is putting her best foot forward as she dances her way to a national competition in the hopes of opening her very own studio.
Leah Jacobs Fourie and her partner, Morgan Achmat, both 14, will take the stage at the Rumba International Dance Festival in October at Sun City where they will compete against some of the finest dancers in Africa.
The pair, who have been dancing together for years now, walked away with gold in the junior champs last year and obtained their SA colours in Latin dance.
This year they will be competing in the adult division and are hoping to be scouted.
Leah Jacobs Fourie and her partner Morgan Achmat make moves. Picture: Supplied
Leah’s proud mom, Charlene Fourie, 41, says the Grade 8 pupil at Heideveld High School started dancing when she was 10.
“She joined the Heideveld School of Dancing where she started with ballroom dancing, but now does Latin,” explains Charlene.
“She has been doing really well and last year she got her WP and SA colours.
“They walked away with gold last year and this year they are taking the stage with the big dogs.”
The cute meisie, who has so far gathered 52 trophies from various competitions, says she enjoys the Rumba as she is able to express herself.
GOT THE MOVES: Leah with all her trophies and medals. Picture: Supplied
“I really enjoy dancing. It helps me to express myself. I train twice a week and when I dance I can work off any feelings of anger or stress.
“It also really helps with self-confidence. My mom is my biggest fan and I am really hoping to get scouted.
“After school I want to be a professional dancer and my dream is to one day open my own dance studio in Heideveld for children in my community.”
Charlene says the high cost of competing is affecting the family and so they are hosting a party at Club Galaxy to help raise the R12 000 needed for the trip.
BIG DOGS: Sun City event. Picture: Supplied
“They do not go as a team, it is just the two of them, so we parents need to go with her.
“I am unemployed and her father, Morné, 39, works hard as an airline supervisor to provide for our family of seven.
“The make-up, dresses and entry fees are really expensive.”
The fundraiser takes place on 4 October and tickets cost R50.
If you would like to buy a ticket contact Charlene on 062 801 1608.