Despite a challenging start, 2023 ended on a very high note. With many achievements, smiles and tears lets look at a breakdown.
Inspired Acrobatic Academy is very proud of each dancer for their achievements, and are excited for the future. In 2023 we competed at various competitions including WLDF -AcroBend, On the stage, Alleggretto, and IAAASA Championships. In this blog we will discuss our achievements throughout the year.
To find out more about us and what we do – click here
Term 1.
Three weeks into the new year, schools have re-opened, Acro dance classes are operating in full swing… and then….. one of our intermediate competitive dancers broke her arm. Not that this was a setback for her at all. Being discharged from hospital, she continued with class attendance and practice sessions the very same day. Is this not what one would call determination and dedication?
Sadly, one of our dancers had to say a very hard goodbye and we all stood behind her holding her and her families’ hearts. You may ask why we are talking about personal loss on our dance blog, the answer is easy – at Inspired Acrobatic Academy, we are not only dancers, coaches, and parents. WE ARE A FAMILY!
With examinations ahead in March, our dancers have been practicing tirelessly, we are so proud of their dedication and determination during this last few months. We are proud to announce that all dancers that participated in the IAAASA examination has passed with exceptional percentages.
Term 2.
Music selections, costume planning and extended practice sessions are laying the groundwork for the upcoming competition season. From our Acro Babes to our Intermediate competitive classes are busy with drills, new techniques, and tricks and most importantly, learning new choreography. And in-between all the hard work, some team building fun as well.
Our intermediate competitive group competed at two competitions in May 2023. Firstly, World lyrical dance federation – Bend-on-Acro in the beautiful Roodepoort theatre. Our dancers gave their best on the stage, and we could definitely see their unique personalities shine through. Secondly, the same team competed at On the Stage Randburg, which meant hitting the road before dawn. All our dancers received silver.
More choreographed routines, more trio’s, more groups, more costumes. More hard work, but we love it. The entire club will be participating in the regional section of Talent Africa. We have less than a month to finalize all the routines before we record them.
Term 3.
https://www.talentafrica.co.za/Talent Africa Regionals – Virtual entry. How boring would it be to record a dance and leave? We invited friends and family of all the dancers to be spectators. From Poker face to the Grinch, Break the Rules to Royalty, we achieved 9 High Silver and 1 Gold. All dancers qualified for Nationals.
Did we mention that our coach was carrying an acrobat in her belly? Welcome to the family Juanique Pretorius – born 28 July 2023.
Allegretto Eisteddfod – Randfontein – Oh boy, what a cold day! But that was soon forgotten once our dancers went on stage. Not only did all of them receive a Certificate of Achievement, but our Royalty group also received an invitation to the Gala event.
Final finishing touches before we head to Riversdale (WC) for our annual IAAASA Championships in October. Unfortunately, Talent Africa Nationals are also in the same week meaning we must participate virtually again. Videos done and uploaded a day before departing to Riversdale.
Term 4.
Costumes √, Make-up bags √, hair accessories √, dancers √
Riversdale (1190km) – here we come!
What a week. With 9 dancers competing at IAAASA Championships 2023,with a total of 20 Solo’s, 3 Duet’s, 2 Trio’s, 1 Quad, 1 Group and a mother and daughter fun group, we brought home an array of medals and certificates.
- Gold medals
- Silver medals
- Bronze medals
- Overall , 1st, 2nd and 3rd
All our dancers received their national colours.
Talent Africa National results are available. All dancers qualified to enter the Stars of the Universe International competition.
Ending the year on a high note with our annual prize giving and concert.
Our opening dance – a selection of different dance styles performed by our coach and senior dancers with parents who had joined in the practice sessions. Every dancer gets to showcase a dance they did throughout the year and of course our “Mamma group” also gets a chance to show their gold medal dance from IAAASA Nationals on stage.
Special rewards for the night:
- Acrobat of the year: Kayla Bauer
- Star of the night: Lo-Ann van ZYl
- Exam star: Lianey Stols
- Most progress shown during the year:
Our Royalty group and a solo was entered for Stars of the Universe. Results will be available in January 2024.
Conclusion Achievements 2023
I think you would aggree we did not have the best start but we definitly switched it around and ended on top. With so many overall placings, and gold medals. We can only be proud of all these hardworking and dedicated dancers. Read more about our Achievements of 2022.
To find out more about our programs and what we offer – click here.
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