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Young dancers shine bright at National Legends Are Made event
Excitement peaked when dancers from across SA lit up the stage at Woodlands International College for the Legends Are Made season three finale recently.
The four-day competition showcased a range of styles, including freestyle, rock and roll, disco, hip-hop, slow dance, acro, lyrical, jazz, ballet, amapiano, belly dancing, show dance, ballroom, Latin (international, American, and pro-am), vocals and more.
With over 800 entries last year, the event has cemented its reputation as one of SA's top platforms for dance and music excellence.
For co-founder Duerell de Pontes, the event's true highlight was its spirit of unity, 'The most unforgettable moments came from seeing dancers from across the country come together, sharing their joy and passion for performance.'
De Pontes said a standout performance came from the Magic Feet Foundation, a group of young dancers from disadvantaged communities. Their group piece, performed on June 15, captivated the audience.
'It was magical. The crowd was in awe. We are incredibly proud of them,' he said.
Despite challenges like last-minute entries and having to adjust schedules on the fly, De Pontes said the event came together beautifully.
'Even with the chaos, everything ran smoothly in the end.'
He said Legends Are Made celebrates dance in all its forms, welcoming everyone from toddlers to seniors, hip-hop to ballroom.
The event even included a wheelchair dance division, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion. The competition catered to every age, ability and background.
'This year, we saw strong growth in our partnered ballroom and Latin-American categories. In past years, many dancers competed solo due to a lack of partners.
'Thanks to a workshop and private sessions by French adjudicator Angelik Meyer, more partnerships formed, and skills improved,' De Pontes shared.
Rather than introducing new elements, this season focused on refining the existing format, 'The brand continues to resonate. We chose to fine-tune what already works, and it paid off.'
Strategic scheduling helped manage the broad age range.
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Younger dancers competed in the morning, followed by a prize-giving, while older participants performed later in the day. The music selection was also age-appropriate. Inclusion and accessibility remain core values.
'Supporting dancers from underprivileged backgrounds is essential. It's about equal opportunities and building a diverse, dynamic dance community,' said De Pontes.
Looking ahead, Legends Are Made plans to establish a dedicated foundation, expand outreach to schools and townships, create professional development pathways and eventually host a nationally televised finale.
The dream is to create a legacy that transforms lives through dance. Among this year's standout performers was Bloemfontein's Michè Erasmus from Dance Domination.
'I started dancing at two. Hip hop and amapiano let me express myself. Before I perform, I pray and leave it in God's hands,' she said.
Michè earned gold in show dance and silver in amapiano.
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