Dance champ (8) ready to take on the world
She’s got the go-ahead to represent South Africa in America, Croatia and possibly other countries in the near future.
THERE is a bright future ahead for eight-year-old Kaylee Houldsworth, Alberton resident and three-time South African dance champion.
She’s got the go-ahead to represent South Africa in America, Croatia and possibly other countries in the near future.
At the South African Dance School Championship in September, Kaylee won the prestigious Diamond Award. Out of 4 000 competitors, only four earned this award, of whom Kaylee was the youngest.
In the American Dance Awards and Dance Star competitions, Kaylee took home all the prizes and qualified to represent South Africa in America and Croatia.
She has also won numerous other competitions this year and continues to make her family and dance coach very proud.
Champion on the rise
Kaylee discovered her love for dance when she was four years old. She had always been an energetic child and loved watching TV shows of dancing. With a lot of encouragement from her parents, Bronwyn and Lyle, and dance coach Yolande Mostert, Kaylee’s inner champion started growing exponentially.
“My biggest inspiration is Jojo Ciccarellione, one of my dancer friends,” said Kaylee with the cutest eloquence. “She’s been a champion for really long and I look up to her. My biggest dream in terms of dancing is to be a world champion – not because I want to be famous, but because I just enjoy dancing a lot.”
Normal childhood
Kaylee trains twice a week and on Saturdays she has acrobatic training. Her parents make sure she eats well and regularly, because she is always active. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys playing hockey at school or playing with her friends.
“We still find it very important that Kaylee has a normal childhood, despite her growing success,” said her mom, Bronwyn. “We want her to be happy and playful and to just be herself, because that’s how we love her.”
Bronwyn says if there’s anyone besides Kaylee to thank for her success, it’s her coach, Yolande, and her father, Lyle. “Yolande treats all her trainees like her own children and we wouldn’t know what to do without her,” said Bronwyn. “Kaylee’s dad always takes her to training and competitions and he always encourages and motivates her.”
Sponsors needed
When Kaylee is feeling down, her friends and especially her dancing partner, Leonia Marinhiero, are always there to give her a hug and a pep talk. She is a lucky girl, indeed!
As much as Kaylee’s parents and coach would love to send her to America and Croatia next year, they cannot afford both trips. At this point, Kaylee will only be going to Croatia, but her parents still need at least R25 000 to cover expenses. They are reaching out to the community to please help with donations, or better yet, get her a sponsor.
“Anyone who is willing to sponsor Kaylee will be benefitted with media exposure wherever she competes, which means international exposure too,” said Bronwyn and Yolande.
If you want to help this little dancer achieve big things, whether it’s by donating to her flight expenses or sponsoring her, feel free to call 083 704 3857 or 083 607 5051 or send an email to bhouldsworth@gmail.com
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