Peyton Connor from Welgelegen is proving that being differently abled does not define her after she rose above the odds to represent South Africa at this year’s Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain.
Peyton, 14, was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and high-functioning Autism in 2023. She has been a dedicated dancer since the age of 5 years and is a member of K&J Dance Unlimited.
She specialises in contemporary, modern, commercial, jazz and hip-hop styles.
She competed at the South African qualifiers for the Dance World Cup (DWC) and won four gold medals after placing first in four of her categories.
Peyton says that she loves how dancing makes her feel free and confident.
She shares: “It helps me express myself without needing to say anything. Even when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, dancing helps me feel calm and strong.
"I’m on the high-functioning side of the spectrum. I don’t always find things easy, especially in busy or loud places, but once I’m comfortable, I’m totally fine.
"Most of the time I just need people to be patient and give me a bit of space, and then I can do my thing.
"Sometimes it makes things a bit harder. I get overwhelmed easily and need time to adjust but dancing helps a lot, it’s where I feel safe and confident.”
Some of Peyton’s notable achievements is winning first place in the A League Megacrew at Dancestar South Africa and winning first place at the Hip-Hop Megacrew Gold Division at Nationals to name a few.
She has been accepted three times into the SA team, but was not able to go.
However, the talented teen hopes that this time things will be different and she will be able to gather the funds to compete abroad.
The cost to go on the trip is around R100 000 so far the family has managed to raise R31 000 but need a balance of R70 000 to cover travel, accommodation and other expenses.
Proud mom Robyn Connor, 31, to help raise funds they do raffles, hosted a Quiz Night, sell homemade premix cookie jars and take custom gift jar orders, with all the proceeds going straight into the travel fund.
Robyn says: “It would mean the absolute world to us. She’s worked so hard, and dancing is her passion, it’s where she truly shines.
"This trip would be a huge confidence boost for her and something she’ll remember forever.
"Watching Peyton achieve so much despite all the challenges has been an emotional journey. There have been tough days, but seeing her push through and achieve things she loves makes me so proud.
"She has such a big heart and incredible talent. I just want the world to see that.”
To help get Peyton to Spain, donate directly towards her BackaBuddy campaign or email [email protected] for more information.