Being friends with a group that have mixed passions and different loves, it's not difficult to be swept into something that is not considered the norm in my books, but is something I look forward to experiencing so that the chapters of my story aren't laced with boredom and drool.
Michelle Pineda, the performer of said group, is the zealous, overly-energetic one who is gifted with a very unique set of vocals, musical talents and as I've recently discovered a good set of feet that know the difference between left and right.
It was through Michelle that I got invited to join Showcase, a dance show that incorporates both Hip Hop and Break Dancing, this show took place at De Hoop Primary School on the 29 November 2012 and was made possible by Dance Like This.
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| It's a Hip Hop thing - You wouldn't understand |
When I arrived at the show 2 hours before the performance was about to begin, I was welcomed by determined, sweaty faces concentrating as they moved their bodies in time to the latest club songs playing at full bore.
As soon as the first group was done with their rehearsal, Michelle Lee (the teacher and owner of Dance Like This) appeared from behind a stage curtain and with a soft authority directed her students to the change rooms where they were to get ready for the show.
I followed behind the smiling students who were leaving a trail of rampant energy for me to follow, and soon found the rest of the dance school changing in a frenzy of loud voices, perfume, make up and excitement.
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| The changing rooms |
Being backstage made me wish that the audience could have a walk-through so they could see what the word 'team' really stood for.
Even though nerves were at their highest and the show was only a couple of minutes away from starting, the students were helping each other out with routines and last minute changes, the senior students were helping the younger ones with make up and hair and the buzz in the air was one of respect, friendship and mutual love.
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| Last Rehearsal |
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| Last Rehearsal |
Soon everyone was lined up in the corridor waiting for their moment of fame. The audience was streaming in and the last light checks were taking place before the first act kicked off.
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| The Schedule |
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| Sound check |
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| Music, schedule, energy |
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| Different outfits for different acts |
The first group (age 7+) were 'Drop It Like It's Hot' and boy! Were they hot. They warmed up the dance floor not only with their smiles, but also with their well-rehearsed dance moves and when they came jumping off the stage; their electricity latched on to the next set of dancers who were ready to get on stage next.
I thought the first group was filled with attitude and determination but the next few shows were something else. I finally knew what it would be like to be included in a dance school and make the scenes from the Step Up movies a reality.
It wasn't just the routines that were being shown to the audience that made me want to be a part of this dance family, but it was the behind-the-scenes moments that made me see the importance of this school. The sense of achievement and happiness that was plastered on the faces of the students who had spent a few months preparing for Showcase. It was priceless.
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| Michelle Lee |
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| Drop It Like It's Hot |
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| Amber and Michelle Lee |
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| Amber |
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| Krump |
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| Stephanie De Lange |
Just before the interval, the DJ was having problems with the sound and the song to Krump's act was cut short. Considering this was unforeseen the dancers handled the situation with immense grace to the point where the audience didn't pick up on this. Once the curtains had closed the dancers came streaming off stage looking very upset, but I must say I was impressed with their cool calm as they dashed off to get ready for the next show.
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| The Sound Desk |
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| Krump after the song got cut |
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| Snaps on stage during the interval |
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| Michelle Pineda |
Once the 20 minute interval was done, the audience started rushing into the hall ready to be blown away for a second time, the curtains opened, the strobe lights went on and the music was pulsing the eardrums of the onlookers.
All senses were heightened and the Dance Like This School showed that they live their motto: Eat, Sleep, Walk, Talk, Dance.
We were lucky enough to see CREW IGNITE perform for us, they were placed third in South Africa in the intermediate section at the South African Dance Championships in June this year and received their WP colours.
Unfortunately, IGNITE was meant to represent South Africa at the International Hip Hop Championships in Holland of October 2012, but due to a lack of sponsorships they couldn't attend.
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| Warrior |
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| Warrior |
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| Warrior |
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| Warrior |
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| Nanine |
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| Ignite |
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| Ignite |
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| Ignite |
The second part of this show left many routines cut short and the dancers looking very annoyed which lead to the audience realizing something wasn't right and thus brought out a queue of unhappy shouts and grunts.
Once the music had started up again and the dancers were ready to take charge of the audience again, the small glitch was soon forgotten and the atmosphere was heightened again.
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| Michelle Lee closing off the show |
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| The end of the show |
The dancers really blew me away. I knew they were going to be talented but I never realised how much. I felt very honoured to be a part of this event and hope to be at the next show which will be taking place at the end of 2013.
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| Michelle Lee |
When asked what the highlight of the night was for Michelle, she replied:
"Seeing everyone dance their heart out and have fun performing on stage. It's amazing to see all the hard work that was put in to make the event a success and so rewarding to watch my dancers perform."
If you want to join Dance Like This and meet up with a family that will guide and bring out your hidden talents or if you would like to sponsor any of these groups in future competitions, you can contact Michelle Lee on the below contact details:
For the Facebook page click HERE
Via email: dancelikethis@gmail.com
Via cell: 0723280023
Studio opens on the 21 January 2013. Open to people ages from 7 - 30 years.
Special thanks to Michael Lindsay for assisting with the photographs and the photo editing.
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