At the end of last year, the Sonwa Sakuba Institute for Performing Arts held its first-ever final examinations and its recently released results exceeded all expectations, with the students having achieved 15 distinctions.
The institute invited world-renowned dance instructor Tereza Theoloudou to conduct all 26 examinations.
Sonwa Sakuba expressed his pride in his students have excelled in his academy’s first-ever examinations.
“I am absolutely thrilled. These were our very first examinations and for the students to get such high marks means I am doing something right,” Sakuba said.
“It’s very rewarding because it also means we are heading in the right direction.
“We had a very busy year, so these results are also an indication of the students’ really good work ethic.”
Theoloudou, who has majored in modern theatre and various other dance styles, is an ambassador for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She also taught Sakuba.
The world-renowned dance teacher, who has traveled the world witnessing many dance styles, shared some of the differences she has picked up.
“There are many differences between European and South African dancers, like the differences in body shapes and types.
“The acknowledgment of autism and ADHD and how these affect how dancers cope with their dancing is also less prevalent here in South Africa.
“It’s also interesting to see the many different dance styles everywhere I go,” said Theoloudou.
Sakuba said the year was going to be busy for his students, with several shows planned.
“This year, the students are entering a higher level,” he said.
“We also have first years coming in.
“There’s going to be more pressure and more shows on offer.
“Our schedule for the year is already packed, we already have two shows that we are preparing for February.”
