Rebecca Dally, 10, and Talia Tostee, 12, brought home three medals between them after competing in an international dance competition. Picture: Jacques Naude Rebecca Dally, 10, and Talia Tostee, 12, brought home three medals between them after competing in an international dance competition. Picture: Jacques Naude
Durban - Two KwaZulu-Natal ballerinas outdid themselves at an international dance competition, bringing home three prestigious medals.
Rebecca Dally, 10, and Talia Tostee, 12, have returned from Croatia, where they were part of the team that represented South Africa in the DanceStar World Masters finals last week.
The competition attracted 4 000 dancers from all over the world.
Rebecca, of Mount Edgecombe, Durban, brought home a silver medal for her solo performance in the category musical theatre.
“I was nervous at first, but the moment I hit the stage I felt more at home,” said the Grade 4 pupil at uMhlanga College.
She said she had dreams of one day becoming a dance teacher.
Her mom, Tania Dally, said: “I am proud of her. She is a tiny, little girl with a big heart and determination.”
Rebecca said the workshop was a wonderful experience as she learnt new dance moves.
Talia, of uMhlanga, also grabbed a silver medal for tap dance and a bronze in the national folkloric categories.
A beaming Talia said she had enjoyed meeting people from all over the world at the competition.
“The competition was an excellent experience. One day I want to become a professional dancer,” said the Grade 7 uMhlanga College pupil.
Talia performed in six different genres, while Rebecca performed in four.
The girls, who both started dancing at the age of three – in front of the mirror and atop tables – are both students at Gail Smith School of Dancing, in uMhlanga.
The girls said the success had come with some sacrifices, but it had been worth it.