Upper Highway dancers celebrate national awards
UPPER Highway Irish dance studio, Parker Academy of Celtic Dance, celebrates its win as its members return from the South African Irish Dancing Championships. Adjudicated by three international adjudicators from Ireland, seven dancers from Parker Academy came out victorious with a number of medals, awards and a trophy for the best team dance in the Ladies’ 15-17 section.
Speaking to the Highway Mail, dance coách Bronwyn Parker said their greatest achievement is where three of their dancers qualified to dance at the 2025 World Irish Dancing Championships, which will be held in Dublin in April next year.”Philasande Khowa, a first-year student at DUT, placed fourth in the Ladies 17-19 Championships and qualified for the World Championships.
Danielle De Moor, a Grade 10 learner at Thomas More College, placed fourth in the Girls 15 Years Championship and qualified for the World Championships. Jezlynn Jones, a Grade 10 learner at Waterfall College, placed fifth in the Girls 15 Years Championship and qualified for the World Championships.
“Our other dancers, Emily De Klerk (Grade 10 at Thomas More), Ava Grobler (Grade Six at St Mary’s DSG), Amahle Mlotshwa (Grade Eight at Pinetown Girls’ High) and Courtney Visser (Grade 11 at Werda High School) all placed and won many medals at the event,” she said.
The group of winners said that although they smashed most of their categories, it was a nerve-racking experience for them. “Our SA Champs are one of the biggest competitions, and getting these awards means a lot to us,” said the team. The group said they are actively looking for ways to raise funds for their competitions, especially the next competition that will be held abroad.