Local Dancers Shine on International Stage Despite Setback

The Citizen

a day ago

A group of four talented young dancers from Potchefstroom returned from Spain last week with a total of 18 international medals – including three first places, nine second places, and six third places – after representing South Africa at the Mediterranean Legends international dance competition in July.
The dancers – Nicoléne Minnaar, Somé Cromhout, Elizka De Bruyn, and Zanica Bechaz – formed part of the South African team competing against dancers from countries across the globe.
But their journey to the podium was anything but ordinary.
Just two weeks before departure, tragedy struck when Elizka de Bruyn broke her ankle, leaving the group devastated and under pressure to rework nearly all their routines. Rather than let the setback define them, the team rose to the challenge with resilience and determination.
'We had to re-choreograph multiple items in which Elizka couldn't dance anymore,' said their coach, Anchenique Papenfus. 'The girls came together as a team in a time of potential crisis and turned it into an opportunity to grow.'
In a remarkable show of adaptability, the dancers reworked one of their group routines to include Elizka performing in a moon boot and wheelchair. That performance went on to earn a second place on the international stage – a moment the team and audience won't forget soon. They were also able to adapt one of Elizka's solo dances so that she could still perform on stage. She earned an incredible third place for this performance.
Another dancer, Somé Cromhout, stepped up in an extraordinary way. With just three days to learn Elizka's part in a duet, Somé mastered the routine in time – and the piece was awarded second place as well.
Two of the team's dancers were invited to perform again at the competition's Gala Evening. A solo by their youngest rising star, Zanica Bechaz, and a duet by Nicoléne Minnaar and Somé Cromhout that was awarded first place.
Coach Anchenique couldn't be prouder: 'They were all willing to work together to find a way to accommodate their friend. They showed compassion, commitment, and creativity. It was incredible to see a team come together like this.'
The group's achievements have not only inspired their fellow dancers at home but have proven that true teamwork, heart, and perseverance can lead to greatness – even when the odds are stacked against you.
The Potchefstroom community awaits to welcome home their dance heroes, who have shown the world the spirit of South African dancers – strong, united, and unstoppable.