Siyasanga Cwala is on her way to realizing her dream of dancing on the world stage.
She has received an official callback to attend the prestigious International Models and Talent Association 2023 Convention to be held in New York, in the US, next year.
Cwala, who is a fashion student at Walter Sisulu University, said it was the biggest opportunity she had ever received in her life.
“This might sound like a cliché but dance makes me happy, and in a country like mine where the arts are not taken seriously, people tend to think you are crazy for even wanting to go very far with it.
“I want to chase my dream of becoming a professional dancer.
“I have my mom to thank for all the support she always gives,” said Cwala.
Auditions were held in East London in May, after which Cwala was invited to a showcase in Johannesburg in October where she performed in front of scouts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Ford Models, and Tyler Perry Studios.
“I had to raise money for the registration fee to go to the showcase. It was even aired on the Dreamwork Show on Soweto TV.
“I managed to add two more talents for the Johannesburg international showcase, which are singing and modeling, though I’ve never done these in front of a live audience before.
“I will get to do them all in New York when I go,” Cwala said.
Contestants will participate in a boot camp which will include training in various media-related aspects before the New York trip.
Cwala will have to raise the money for the boot camp as well as for training in aspects such as fashion runway techniques, stage presence, and theatre performance.
