Thato Mkwanazi won a first prize and a third prize at the World Dance Masters line dance championship in England. Photos: Tladi Moloi
- Tladi Moloi reports in GroundUp that Thato Mkwanazi, a 12-year-old from Phuthaditjhaba, QwaQwa, in the Free State, won the top Junior Solo prize at the World Dance Masters line dance championship in England. The grade 6 learner at Witsieshoek Primary School won at the Winter Garden Ballroom in Blackpool and also secured third prize in the Country Classic Team competition.
- Thato is part of the Maluti Arts Theatre, founded by his grandmother Mapula Mkwanazi. Other members, aMojalefa Richards, Bonolo Mokoena, Letlotlo Mphuti, and Mvulazana Masiza, also won prizes.
- Line dance involves dancing a repeating sequence of steps in lines or rows. Thato had won local competitions, including Line Dance South Africa, but this was his first international competition.
- Thato said, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name being called in that big hall. That was the best moment of my life. It was the first time I competed at the world championships. Sharing the stage with other dancers from across the world was the best feeling. I was not afraid because I told myself that I just had to do what I had been doing best.”
- Thato began dancing at three, taught by his grandmother Mapula Mkwanazi. “She was patient to teach me at that age and I am now graduating to the next level of dancing and she will still be by my side.”
- Thato chose line dance because it can be danced alone. “At times you want to dance but you don’t have a partner, so with line dance, you can compete solo.”
- Mapula Mkwanazi mentioned that nine dancers attended the Blackpool championship. “We did a wonderful job. I knew that they would not disappoint me.”
- Mapula started the group in 2015 while teaching at a school, using her own money for food and transport for the dancers until they received Lotto funding. They practice at her house on Saturdays, with dancers as young as three.
- Thato’s mother Sebongile Mkwanazi said, “My son lifted the South African flag high. That is a moment that he will cherish for the rest of his life.”
