Onthatile Molubi the gem Ballerina dancer from Mapetla proves once again that humble beginnings do produce the best among us.
She performed recently at a local event displaying world class dance moves of a subliminal professional Ballet dance artform. Gorgeous and an uplifting spirit of dance that seem effortlessly fluid to her majestic antiques that left the audience breathless to such seemingly effortless performance.
Witnessing such class, an opportunity that most of us could only imagine watching only on the Telly! A youngster flowing splendidly with graceful balance and grandeur on stage.
The 13-year-old Onthatile mentions that she comes from Mzansi Ballet club and has been dancing since the tender age of seven. I asked her how did this all begin, and relates, “It was the lady from church attending with her granny Shelley Molubi that invited me to come along and try out Ballet. Although I had an interest in Gymnastic initially, I truly fell in love with Ballet. It taught me to have courage and build my self-esteem, that I mustn’t get scared but be confident of myself and ever since I’ve been moving with the stage and having opportunities to socialize beating the anxiety menace!”
It’s a difficult dance I asked her, I mean how do you even afford the toe dancing? She laughs and say yes it something that you have to exert on and build technique, it is difficult but you have to work on it, push and keep improving as with life.
You learn new things as you push yourself to the limit with the realization that yes I’ve done this, setting yourself goals and achieving them and thereafter feeling good with oneself after attaining!”
I alluded to her that the dance is not for everyone if she’d agree. To my surprise she responds that Ballet can be for everyone. “If you believe in your dream to be a Ballerina nothing can stop you, she says.
At first I had sickle feet, my feet when I pointed never had any turn out, I didn’t have the splits nor go down, not even flexible at that point and pace and thought I didn’t fit in and which made me feel out of place, but as I practiced with 3 trainers backing me on my Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays every time I turned out my point went well. It’s not that you’re pointing on your toes, but you have to trust yourself and your body to carry it out.
“If I can do it I can, and if I need to I will.” She says proudly. She earned a place to the team that went to Switzerland in June of this year and had to fundraise for her ticket to the big time. Her director Dirk Badenhorst gave them the opportunity where they got to learn different dance projections. Dances and influences from Cuba, Australia, the U.S. in the Lugano City learning stuff such as the Golden Rhino and Vision of Favorite dance moves, which she believes were the incredible experience ever.
The Rhino theme include its folklore, culture and spirits having been lifted up from its place, the Mapungubwe where it originated. It is such a delight that a proudly S.A. theme is displayed overseas in the form of original dance of the stolen and restored Rhino in high spirits.
With roars and applauses from a fully packed venue, Onthatile and her team truly made us proud. Ballet is big in Switzerland she , “From as early as five years to those accumulating fame, there’s a lot of Ballerinas that strive to achieve the highest class of dance professionalism.”
In inspiring young girls in our communities, she envisioned that, “If you aspire and dream to become a Ballerina, just do it, you build your career as a Ballerina. Do not wait for the years to pass, start now at the age your current age and let your body and movement shine!” To aid the dance as you learn you can also discover more stuff on the net and YouTube. It’s a thing of Critical thinking she mentions, “you have to be mentally strong using your space and environment, as you face an audience making moves on the stage and dance with the rhythm.” At Mzansi we dance at Fourways Mall where there’s 3 stages, one for the seniors and the other juniors, and 3rd for the little Ballerinas with ages around 6 to 7. The juniors are 13 to 18 where she is and the seniors are ages above.
The only prejudice that one can experience at Mzansi is only self-inflicted, she says that, “Your consistent attendance and practice will earn you a place to booked performances, therefore discipline and respect are crucial in the art.” The levels go from 1 least and 4 professionals. She can dance all solo, pair and team themes depending on the character requirements.
Her recent performances with her team were at the Monte Casino where they had 34 shows running of ‘The Nutcracker’ as well ‘Private Presley. There are more local and international gigs on the cards in the new year. Her favorite venue in Gauteng still is Monte, as she mentions it is always packed to the brim.
The juniors such as herself do not get paid but only receive sponsors especially for the trips. Anxiety still strikes me before I get to stage as is normal for performers but I take deep breaths. But it’s not as severe as the 1st time on stage especially doing the solo. But the music flows with you and you just go with it.
Her ultimate goal is to be a premium Ballerina worldwide like Angie Lugallo one of the top S.A. Ballerinas of Mzansi Ballet as well as Angela Maree Revie as their club instructor. She also competes in athletics for her school Jeppe Girls High, as the fastest star runner in the 100 and 200metre heat.
What talent!
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
