The first round of the East London leg of the South Africa Championships Performing Arts auditions took place last Saturday at Hemingways Mall.
The competition has been in existence for 19 years, with organiser Sally Collett saying the provincial auditions provide the plaftorm to qualify for the national competition.
“We’re hoping that the next auditions will have more participants. East London has amazing talent and it needs to get out there,” Collett said.
Anabelle Connellan, 14, participated in categories such as modelling in formal, swimwear and casual clothes, as well as dancing. She was excited to be chosen in all her categories.
“I was nervous in the beginning but got into it, though there weren’t as many people as I thought there would be. I prefer dancing than more modelling and would love to carry on dancing,” Connellan said.
One of the judges, Chace Collett, said a lot of people don’t know about the championships in the city, but the Eastern Cape team was strong and normally did well in the nationals.
“People must audition because it’s a huge privilege. The competition has opened a lot of doors for me and it can do the same for others,” she said.
Those in the rural areas with cultural groups and choirs are encouraged to enter the championships to create a diverse package of performing arts.
The second round of auditions will take place on February 9 to 10 in 2019 at Hemingways Mall.
Entries can be submitted to easterncapearts@gmail.com and must be in by February 3 2019. For more information, contact 043 721-1216.
