Miranda’s School of Dance presents Sway in the Bay on Friday December 7 at the Feather Market Centre, stepping up for a big-hearted Port Elizabeth spin on the television show Strictly Come Dancing.
One Bay charity will be the winner, as Galaxy Bingo will give a cheque for R10,000 to the judges’ pick of six couples on the night, to be given to the beneficiary of their choice.
“Sway in the Bay is a truly Port Elizabethan dance show featuring local celebrities with amateur dance partners competing in a ballroom and Latin American dancing competition,” said Ryan Karshagen, one of the dance partners who will perform on the night.
He said the “like-minded, passionate individuals” would pair with an experienced dance partner to put their best foot forward as follows: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism board CEO Buli G and Chris Martinus – Missionvale Care Centre;
Survivor SA winner Tom Swartz and Liezl Matthews – Reach for a Dream;
Algoa FM radio presenter Carol-Ann Kelleher and Llewellyn Andrew Serfontein – Animal Welfare Society’s pitbull rescue programme;
Kingfisher FM radio presenter Gareth Burley and Sam Antolik – Love Story;
Sun International Mr PE UberMan Ofentse Boloko and Amy Erasmus – Coastal Water Rescue;
Cash PR and Algoa FM representative Carol Ann Cash and Ryan Karshagan – Smile Foundation.
Ryan said that although most competitors were used to being in the public eye “they are all very nervous as this is completely out of their comfort zone”.
Buli, Tom, the two Carol-Anns, Gareth and Ofentse all have been rehearsing their steps for months, coached by Miranda Botha, the internationally experienced dance teacher who founded Miranda’s School of Dance in Framesby.
Botha also coaches the Nelson Mandela University ballroom and Latin American dancers, and started Sway in the Bay several years ago. It returns this year after a three year break, as it was last held in the city in 2015.
Animal-lover Kelleher said she had loved being part of Sway in the Bay, particularly as it gave her a chance to give back to a cause very close to her heart.
“My partner is Andrew who is a South African dancing champ – and we are dancing for the Animal Welfare Society and their pitbull rescue programme,” she said.
Buli G is another celebrity on a mission, raising funds for the care centre in Missionvale led by Sister Ethel Normoyle.
“My story is a little different because I have two partners for Sway in the Bay,” the tourism leader said. “The first one – Justin Trent Langley – was my partner for six weeks and he taught me to cha cha but he got a job offer in East London and had to leave town.
“Chris Martinus stepped in to rehearse with me for the last three weeks before the show and they both contributed to the choreography, Chris and I will be dancing together in the show.”
Rugby player Ofentse said rehearsals had been gruelling with, for example, a five-hour session one Sunday with his partner Amy.
The six dance teams will be under the watchful eye of judges Peter Mann, George Maree, Barry Probert and Dina Marx – all dancers – and Simamkele Kolwapi from sponsor Magnetic Storm.
Tickets for the black tie event in the Selley Hall are R250 and are on sale at Westway Tickets, www.westway.co.za. This includes a table platter, show and dancing afterwards.
Further information from Ryan, 084-832-9035, ryankarshagen@gmail.com