Nine-year-old Naledzi Thojena Manyuha of Madombidzha is determined to become a top ballet dancer, despite the challenges she faces.
Naledzi was selected to compete at the South African Dance Festival, where she won a silver medal in the Faerie category in April 2021. In August that same year, she was selected to compete at the American Dance Award Festival (ADA), where she won the American Dance gold medal and an Ultimate Special Challenge Award, which automatically entered her to compete in Florida, USA in July this year.
Naledzi developed her love of ballet just by watching it on television from a very young age. Her passion shows in her uniqueness in movement and attention to detail. She easily captivates attention and communicates with her audience through her distinct technique, as if inviting them into her world.
She says that dancing teaches one to work hard, be disciplined and stay focused. "I fell in love with the sport and became interested in joining. As I continued to do it and exceeded in it, I fell even more in love with it, to the point where it became my passion," the young ballerina said. "This is the first time I qualified to go to the games, and I hope that I will be able to participate."
Ballet is, however, an expensive sport, and Naledzi needs financial support to bring her closer to her dream of competing at the competition. She depends on her father, who is a general worker, and money is unfortunately limited. The required amount for the trip to America is R96 000. This amount includes attire, travelling fees and accommodation for her and her accompanying parent in the USA from 1-14 July this year.
To help Naledzi reach her dream, please contact her father, Lufuno Manyuha, on 083 488 2821 or 078 110 2122.