Teen dancer from The Bluff gearing for the UK stage

A talented 14-year-old dancer from The Bluff is on a journey to make his dreams a reality after he was selected to compete at the United Dance Organisation (UDO) World Street Dance Competition in the UK next year.

Also read: Dance Movement dancer pops and locks his way to world championship victory [Video]

Despite being involved in competitive dancing for just two years, Jordan Hepplewhite has scored numerous gold, silver and bronze medals by competing in several dance competitions.

Jordan’s love for dancing was completely unexpected and was ignited only in 2023 when Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation’s Dance Movement visited his former school, Dirkie Uys, to dance and promote their academy.

Intrigued with what he saw, Jordan went home later on that day and asked his mom, Deidre van Rensburg, if he could join the dance school.

“We surprised him by taking him to an open day at Dance Movement, his face that day was filled with pure joy and he just instantly fell in love with the school and its community,” says Van Rensburg.

Jarryd, his dance instructor and mentor at Dance Movement, has helped Jordan find his confidence and happiness in dancing. Jordan had a natural knack for dancing but it was his pure passion and dedication for the art that drove his success as a dancer.

Also read: Dancer moves and grooves on the Shall We Dance stage

More recently, Jordan travelled to Johannesburg in October to represent KZN at the international qualifiers where he was selected to represent South Africa at the UDO World Street Dance competition in the UK next August.

Even with all his hard-earned merit at such a young age, Jordan still grounds himself as a hard-working, caring and friendly child. He enjoys taking part in sports and being involved in his community.

“He would love to be an anaesthetist one day so he can knock people out,” jokes Van Rensburg. “But by competing in the World Dance Competition, it can open many doors for him to study and dance abroad and that is what he is working so hard to achieve.”

Jordan has never been overseas and he is excited to experience life outside of his own country. He will compete with the best dancers around the world and cannot wait to represent his country and South African culture through his dancing.

In order to make Jordan’s dreams a reality, he needs to raise R50 000 to fund his trip to the UK next year, with a R6000 deposit to be paid before April. The family is appealing to the community for financial assistance to make Jordan’s dreams become a reality.

To support you can make a direct donation to the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation’s Nedbank account, account number: 1308135653 and for the reference put Jordan’s name. Alternatively, you can donate to their BackaBuddy at www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/jordan-hepplewhite-wentworth-art-and-culture.

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