In an exciting initiative set to inspire and elevate the talents of young dancers across South Africa, the Reach for the Stars dance competition has been launched. This inclusive event aims to empower the youth, nurturing their creativity and providing a platform to showcase their skills in a variety of dance styles. A collaboration between the Institute for Applied Alchemy (IAA) and renowned dancer and choreographer Desiree Angus, this competition promises to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of South African dance.
Celebrating Diversity in Dance
Open to South Africans aged 8 to 35, the Reach for the Stars competition invites aspiring dancers to submit their entries from now until 11 April 2025. Whether you excel in contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, or traditional dance, this competition welcomes participants from all backgrounds and skill levels. The event will kick off with video submissions, followed by qualifiers in the Western Cape and Central Karoo, culminating in a thrilling finale in October 2025.
Desiree Angus, the visionary behind the competition, expressed her commitment to nurturing talent: “At Reach for the Stars, we believe in pushing artistic boundaries and nurturing talent to shine on both local and international stages. For over five decades, my passion has been to inspire dancers to grow, express, and excel. Seeing them flourish is the greatest reward, and this platform is dedicated to elevating their artistry beyond limits.”
How to Participate
Dancers eager to showcase their talent can submit a video of no more than one minute via the official competition website, www.reachforthestars.africaHOME. Additionally, the competition will engage with local schools in the Western Cape and Central Karoo from February to March 2025 to raise awareness and encourage participation.
The competition process is straightforward:
- Submission: Participants can submit their videos until 11 April 2025.
- Registration: We will invite those with approved submissions to register between 1 to 15 May 2025.
- Qualifiers: These will take place in June and July 2025, where a panel of judges will select the top contestants from each age group.
- Finale: The grand finale in Cape Town will see finalists compete for cash prizes, including a grand prize of R20,000 for the overall winner.
Empowering Young Dancers
The Reach for the Stars competition is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of creativity and self-expression. It provides a safe space for dancers to experiment, refine their skills, and discover their unique voice. In addition to the cash prizes, the competition will establish a Reach for the Stars Access Fund aimed at supporting marginalised dancers, enabling them to access further training and exposure.
Chantel Oppelt, Executive Director of the IAA, emphasised the transformative nature of the competition: “The transformative nature of Reach for the Stars allows the dancer to transcend and silence the external voices of limitation and transmute them, through their art, into the magnitude and magic of who they truly are.”
Join the Movement
With sponsorship from premium brands committed to empowering youth through the arts, Reach for the Stars presents exciting partnership opportunities for brands looking to ignite a passion for artistic expression. The competition also uses a franchise model, allowing for potential expansion to other countries.
For more information about the Reach for the Stars competition or partnership opportunities, interested parties can reach out to Chantel Oppelt at chantel@appliedalchemy.online or Desiree Angus at desiree@reachforthestars.africa.
As the countdown to the competition begins, we encourage young dancers across South Africa to take this opportunity to shine and reach for their stars!
