Local dancer shines at Croatian International Dance Open
South African dancer Isabella van Tonder, who is a learner at Brescia House School, recently returned from the International Dance Open in Zagreb, Croatia, where she represented the country and gained life-changing experiences
According to Isabella, the competition pushed her, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. 'I learned what it truly means to be both a team player and a team leader. Being part of a supportive and kind team helped me grow, and I found myself becoming someone the younger dancers could look up to.'
She explained that the language barrier with dancers from other countries was challenging, but said they found ways to connect, using Google Translate and shared smiles to build bonds across borders. 'Even with the differences, it was amazing to see how dance unites us.'
Also read: Class of 2025 celebrates Centennial Schools' inaugural matric dance
Isabella said one of her biggest takeaways was learning to stay calm under pressure. 'The backstage environment was loud and stressful, but I had a kind of switch in my mind where I found calm in the chaos. That helped me perform better and stay focused.'
She explained that the competition also exposed her to different styles of European dance, which she plans to incorporate into her training. 'I did an open ballet class with a Russian instructor who did not speak English, but she still managed to teach us valuable techniques. My dad always says: 'You are never too experienced to learn', and that stuck with me.'
Read more: Brescia's Arwen Terblanche strikes gold at national orienteering champs
Isabella pointed out the emotional depth of watching her teammates perform. 'I actually cried seeing their raw emotion on stage. It reminded me why I dance: To express, to feel, and to connect.'
Now, she is back home, and more motivated than ever. 'This experience taught me that things don't have to be perfect. As long as you dance your best, you should be proud.'
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