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The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Dance Sport team is set to make a dazzling appearance at the upcoming 2024 National Champions League two.
This highly anticipated event kicks off with a Dancer Development Workshop on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Randburg, Gauteng.
The annual National Champions League Series comprises three national competitions. To qualify for national rankings and selection for the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) World Championships, couples must attend all three events.
Among the team members is Rakgadi Maselelo Mabela, who, along with her partner, missed the first leg of the series and expressed mixed emotions about participating in the league two.
“It is my first national competition, and I feel overjoyed. Challenges were there because I am in a long-distance partnership, therefore, we don’t get enough time to practice or prepare,” she said.
Despite the nerves, Mabela hopes for the best and sees this competition as a significant event for the WSU community.
Equally enthusiastic about the competition is WSU rising star dancer, Bubele Ndungane.
“The challenges we are faced with are the semester exams, and there was not much time for practice and fitness. However, it is manageable because we can maintain the stamina,” he said.
Ndungane said he was ready to represent the institution and is determined to perform his best.
“I am going to present myself with the experience that I have in dancing, and I will bring positive and quality results. I am dedicated and have love for dancing,” he added.
According to WSU Dance Sport Head Coach Mzimkhulu Sididi, the team, consisting of 15 couples from various campuses, will depart on Thursday, fully prepared for the competition starting on Friday.
“The students are 100% mentally and ready to go and compete in league two,” he said. Despite wishing for more practice time, Sididi assured that the team was ready.
“Practice was good, but it would be more convenient if there was more time. However, we are still ready despite that,” he added.
The competition will feature various sections, including Main Stream Sections which entails Levels 1 to 4, Rising Star (Novice and Pre-Championship), Juvenile I and II, Junior I and II, Youth, Adult, Senior I, II, and III and Championship sections for Junior II, Youth, Under 21, Adult, Senior I, II, III, and Professional categories.
Adding to that, All Girls /Special Sections will be included with All-girls sections, physically challenged sections, and Special sections for singles accompanied by a teacher or another dancer.
The WSU Dance Sport team is eager to earn points and represent their institution with pride and dedication. The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of talent, determination, and the spirit of dance sport.
By Yolanda Palezweni
