South African Masters 2010

The South African Masters headed its preparations with a good start when Sam arrived 4 days before the event for a little sightseeing. As Wednesday came around it became apparent that our Head Judge, Nicola Lafferty, might not be getting to the event due to that horrible Icelandic volcano so Sam and Event Director Nadia began putting together the contingencies.

Thankfully Nicola managed to get on a flight on Thursday (after getting a free upgrade to Business Class!) and arrived in sufficient time to make the event work as if nothing had happened. Thankfully Nicola still managed to get a full suitcase of costume donations out South Africa. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the cause - everything has been put to great use.

As Friday came along it was time for the first Judging Examinations using the new World Dance Masters Judging criteria. We are very excited to say that South Africa now holds the first ever Level I and Level II World Dance Masters qualified judges. Congratulations to everyone who took them and passed.

The Friday evening social started nice and early at around 6pm with over 100 dancers clearly enjoying the opportunity to dance away to all types of dances. When we say this event caters for every type of dancer it truly does; from absolute beginners to more advanced dancers. We knew from this point the South African Masters was going to be an event that was wonderful to behold.

Nadia Coen and her team went to the hall bright and early on Saturday morning to start with set-up and open registration. Nicola, Sam and Caryl Cusins arrived at around 10:00 to start their preparations for the days judging assignments. The competition started with the events ‘Classic’ divisions (social divisions). What a wonderful experience this was. Over 35 children attended from Broadlands Primary School, a school situated close to the venue, and a dance school in Bela Bela (Limpopo province situated about 250km from the venue), and all danced in their relative age divisions. Learning their dances in between their breaks at school just three weeks prior to the event, the kids were aged between 5 and 13 and all did an amazing job!

At around 12:00 we did the award ceremony for the Classic Youth division so they could go home if they wanted to. Its safe to say that all the dancers were happy with their certificates and awards and we hope to see them back next year!

At 13:00 we started with the rest of the ‘Classic’ and ran straight into the ‘International’ divisions (standard Masters divisions). The standard of competition was wonderful to watch and amazing for a country that doesn’t have access to the best professional tuition like the UK does. Nicola, Sam and Caryl all had their work cut out for them as the dancers showed such an amazing ability. At 18:30 the awards commenced and all the new South African Masters Champions were crowned.

After the awards Nicola and Sam did three well-received demonstrations and after this was completed the breakdown started and everyone began to make their way home.

With the competition complete and all our dancers satisfied, Sunday started with a day of intense technical workshops held by Nicola and Sam. The opportunities for new technical information to be absorbed by the South African dancers are few and far between so they make the most of the time they have with the visiting Judges. After another fantastic day the event was officially over but the fun had only just begun for Nicola & Sam.

On Tuesday they were both treated to 24 hours of South African culture. Starting off at the Monkey Sanctuary, Nicola, Sam and Nadia were treated to a tour of the area by Sarah the Spider Monkey. Being so up-close to these wonderful animals was an experience Nicola & Sam will never forget. But it wasn’t over yet. Next a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary. Another incredible experience. Riding the elephants and even being kissed by them (an utterly disgusting but strangely gratifying experience), the day ended watching the sunset over the mountains from the sanctuary’s sunset point.

On Wednesday they were treated to (or terrified by, in Sam’s case) a Canopy Slide across the mountains. Drifting 140m on a zip-wire across to mountainous caverns 300ft above the ground is something that everyone should do if they get chance.

After a truly amazing experience, Nicola & Sam boarded their flight back to the UK on Wednesday evening and proceeded to get back to reality.

For anyone wanting to experience any World Dance Masters International events who have some spare money and want a holiday at the same time, the South African Masters will give you a lifetime of memories (while getting you one of your qualifying points for Worlds). Check the new website (launching 14th June) for details on next years event, we will make sure that anyone serious in attending gets all the help they need in booking all the activities available to them.