The Kensington Dance Crew qualified to represent the country at the 2024 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in August. PHOTO: Supplied
- A Kensington dance group has qualified to represent the country at the 2024 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in the USA.
- They need to raise R300,000 to attend.
- The group, consisting of 12 dancers from disadvantaged backgrounds, is seeking donations to cover travel, accommodation, and other expenses
A Kensington dance group qualified to represent the country at the 2024 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in the United States of America (USA) later this year.
However, without financial backing The Kensington Dance Crew might have to pass up on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If they manage to raise R300 000 they will be jetting off to Phoenix, Arizona, for the championship which takes place from Saturday 3 until Saturday 10 August.
The competition will see over 3 000 of the world’s best dancers come together with crews from over 55 countries competing to capture the world title.
Hip Hop icons, artists and celebrities will also take to the stage.
The group competed in various competitions locally (“Hard work paying off for Cape Town dance crew competing at national championships”, People’s Post, 20 September 2022), but this will be their first international performance.
READ: Kensington Dance Crew dances their way to the top
They are now in desperate need of funds to help them realize their dream.
David Stemmet, a professional dancer and founder of the group, explained that they are elated.
“The World Champs competition is a prestigious event that offers our dancers not only the chance to showcase their talent on an international stage. Not everyone gets this opportunity, many of them have dreams and they don’t always get to pursue those dreams.”
Many of the dancers come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and Stemmet explained that this would be a dream come true for them.
[embedded content]
Twelve dancers
“Despite the many challenges they face daily, their passion, dedication, and hard work have propelled them to the forefront of the dance world.”
He added 12 dancers qualified for the championship.
“We are seeking to raise R300 000 to cover these costs and ensure that every dancer can participate without the burden of financial strain. Your generous donation can help us reach this goal. R1 500 can help cover the cost of a dancer’s costume.
“We can have you as one of the sponsors printed on the costume. R17 000 can contribute to the airfare for one dancer. R1 000 can sponsor a dancer’s accommodation for the duration of the competition and R20 000 can provide full sponsorship for a dancer, covering all expenses,” he explained.
Stemmet said he is proud of his team.
“I am proud of them. My dream is to see them go even further than I am. They are all passionate about dancing.”
He explained that winning the competition would be “mind-blowing”.
“Not one South African crew that has competed there has ever won it before, so it will be a historical moment.”
For dancer Meekah Jansen (15) dancing has always been a passion. She explained that she joined the crew about three years ago.
“I like the feeling dancing gives me. It makes me excited. I can express myself through dancing.”
The teen said it would be her first time travelling overseas and she appealed to people to help make her dream come true.
Stemmet appealed to people to support them.
“We believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of arts and culture. With your support, we can provide these young dancers with an experience that will inspire them for a lifetime and help them to reach their full potential.”
To donate:
Email stemmetdavid19@gmail.com or call 078 360 4169.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
