Young dancers call on head of state |03 August 2023
A souvenir photograph
Dancers from the Artistic Dance Factory studio who were recently in Athens, Greece for the World Dance Championship on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House to share their achievements at the event.
The fourteen young dancers – 13 female and one male individuals – took part in the two-day championship organised by the World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF) from Saturday, July 1, to Sunday July 2, 2023.
They amassed a total of 12 cups, as well as a total of 12 gold, 8 silver and 10 bronze medals, won in the different dance categories.
The call at the State House was also an opportunity for the studio’s management to enlighten the head of state on their future activities, mainly the preparation for the upcoming All African Open Dance Championship, to be held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino in Seychelles, from September 1 to 2, 2023.
President Ramkalawan, who was delighted to see the young dancers, thanked them for their wonderful achievements and urged them to pursue with their passion to reach greater heights.
The president commended them for taking up dancing, which he stated was an ideal way to stay active and fit and expressed sadness that many young children do not have a physical hobby, which could be the reason why so many among them are obese.
“So, I am happy that you have taken up dancing as a hobby and I want you to keep at it. I would also like to encourage you to get other young people on board, get them to join your club or do any other physical sporting activity, so they can get fit and healthy like you,” President Ramkalawan said.
He also urged them to encourage more boys to join the dancing studio due to limited male participants.
Yesterday the president was able to see a re-enactment of a piece performed at the championship.
Speaking to the press, the managing director of the dance studio, Dr Lucia Banane, said that since their return from the competition, the students had wanted to share their success with the President. It was therefore an honour to meet with him.
In relation to the All African Open Dance Championship to be held here, Dr Banane said that the preparation is well underway but they are seeking further assistance from the government and other organisations, willing to help. She said given that it is an open championship, Seychelles will be welcoming other countries from other continents.
“Up to now 300 participants from various counties have registered to participate including from other local dance studios. All local dance studios have been invited to take part. Many more participants are expected to register,” said Dr Banane.
Eight-year-old Lorenzo Joubert, the only male dancer from the group who won a bronze medal, said he was encouraged by his mother to join the dance studio, but he really had to take it upon himself to join, being the only male dancer.
He said that competing with 18 other dancers was difficult but he managed to give his all and won third place.
“I do salsa and slow waltz and I now I am going to try and do the merengue dance,” said Lorenzo, who added he would like to see more boys join the dance studio.
In the competition held at the Mall of Dance Studio, Athens, the students and three adults accompanying them took part in various dance disciplines in solo and duos related to ballroom and Latin dance where the mini kids category (7-8 years), Alizee Low-Ken stole the show by winning an astonishing six gold medals, along with one silver. In the Masters category (35 years and above) Dr Banane's impeccable artistry and dedication earned her three gold medals and three silver medals.
Artistic Dance Factory Seychelles (ADF Seychelles) is a dance studio located in Fairview Building, Ile Perseverance, and along with a branch in Anse Boileau, offers multi-disciplinary dance programmes for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Its primary focus is on International Latin and Ballroom dance, but it also teaches other genres such as Cheerleading, Afro Beat, Hip Hop, and Seychelles traditional dances. All are welcome to join the studio.
Text & photos by Patrick Joubert
