Mastering the rhythm
GELVANDALE resident Ashleigh Bowler, 20 has never been one to shy away from a challenge. So much so that she has battled her way through the ranks to acquire the title of the 2012 Masters of Rhythm female dance champion.
Bowler started dancing at the tender age of seven, trying to emulate her dance icon Michael Jackson. Since then she has perfected her dance repertoire to include more than just the moon walk.
"When I started dancing I would watch Michael Jackson videos and try my best to dance exactly like him. Ciara was also a very big influence in my dancing, I stole a lot of her moves.
"But since then I have expanded my variety of dance moves, and most of the time I create my own. It is very important in dance to stay ahead of the game. You need to be more creative, fearless and precise than your competition.
"I needed to learn new styles of dance to create and combine new routines. Currently I include popping, locking, whacking, crumping, kwaito and house. And the latest challenge I have taken on is b-boy," said Bowler.
Already competing at 13 , Bowler explained that she has learnt a lot through competition and shares her knowledge with the children in her neighbourhood.
"When I was 13 I entered my first competition and since then I have learnt a lot about my art through my experience. But what good is knowledge if it is not shared?
"The kids in the neighbourhood look up to me, they come to me and show me their moves and I help and coach them with their technique. It's a brilliant distraction from the streets. This way they express themselves on the dance floor and not spraying on the walls," said Bowler.
Training a minimum of two hours a day has paid off for the humble dancer. Winning the female division of International Masters of Rhythm in Johannesburg recently proved that nothing is unachievable, smiled Bowler.
"Training is essential in anything if you want to go far.
"Don't be afraid to chase your dreams. But always keep in mind that there will always be 'haters' you have to just ignore them and keeping pushing harder."