Eight-year-old Sage Faith Jane, a Grade 2 learner at Westville Primary School, has won gold at the Dance Wave National Championships in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. Sage and her teammates from First Step Dance School in Westridge took first place at the competition, which took place on September 19. The victory marked an emotional end to a journey that nearly did not happen for Sage due to financial constraints.
Ahead of the championships, Sage's mother, Anastasia Jane, needed about R15 000 to cover the cost of travelling to Johannesburg, accommodation, transport to the theatre, costumes, and registration fees. However, after seeing how much qualifying for nationals meant to her daughter, Anastasia decided to try everything she could to make the trip possible. She held raffles, sold savouries, organised fundraisers, and appealed to the public for help.
The community rallied behind Sage, with several people stepping forward with donations and sponsorship to help her make the journey to Johannesburg. Those who assisted have asked to remain anonymous, with Anastasia saying she remains in contact with the people who helped turn what had seemed like an impossible trip into reality.
For Sage, the medal is the culmination of more than two years of dancing, and long evenings juggling schoolwork and ballet practice. Before nationals, Sage had expressed her exhaustion and frustration with the demanding schedule, but her parents kept encouraging her, reminding her that the things she loved would sometimes require sacrifice.
Anastasia thanked the teachers, Dance Wave organisers, and everyone who supported the children throughout their journey. She expressed her pride in Sage and her teammates, saying, "We are so incredibly proud of Sage and her whole group. What a beautiful achievement and such a special way to close off this chapter of the Dance Wave competition."
The gold medal brings Sage's Dance Wave journey to a glittering end, but it is by no means the end of her ambitions. Anastasia said, "This is definitely not the end of Sage's competition journey. She still has other competitions with other companies ahead, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next."
Sage's achievement serves as a testament to the power of community support and determination. Her story has inspired many, and her family looks forward to seeing her continue to pursue her passion for dance in future competitions.
Key points
- An 8-year-old ballet dancer from Mitchell's Plain won gold at the Dance Wave National Championships in Johannesburg after overcoming a R15 000 shortfall.
- The dancer, Sage Faith Jane, and her teammates from First Step Dance School in Westridge took first place at the competition on September 19.
- The victory was made possible by community support, with several people donating and sponsoring Sage's trip to Johannesburg.
