DETERMINATION, discipline and a passion to be agents of change have paid dividends for three young Nelson Mandela Bay choreographers who are on their way to Washington DC to fine- tune their skills.
The talented trio – all members of popular Port Elizabeth hip-hop group Dejavu Dance Crew – have been invited by a top dance studio in the US.
The artists, whose group is based in Port Elizabeth's northern areas, will be out of the country for three months, leaving on September 3.
The trio, consisting of sisters Meryl and Carol-Ann Stanley and Eben Dirkse, are the lead choreographers for the dance group, which comprises eight members.
Dancing aside, Meryl wants to be a civil engineer and is doing an internship at Coega, while Carol-Ann wants to pursue a career as a beauty specialist. Dirkse, who matriculated last year, intends to study graphic design.
Dejavu Dance Crew is managed by the sisters' father, Godfrey Stanley. He said a top US dance studio, Culture Shock, had extended an invitation for the three artists to travel overseas to hone their talents.
The dancers caught the attention of officials in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas where they were one of 65 groups from around the world competed at the World Hip-hop Dance competition in August last year. The Bay group finished in 31st position.
Speaking for the others, Carol-Ann said they felt blessed and excited at the opportunity presented to them.
The group strives to bring change in the lives of other youths through school ministries and sharing their testimonies about their lives.
Dejavu Dance Crew was formed five years ago. They are the current South African Cup champions.
