Cayce shows the world what she’s got
“Being her first World Championship, we went over with small goals and no expectations."
Cayce Steenkamp is an exceptional 14-year-old dancer from Roodepoort who was chosen to represent South Africa at the World Freestyle Championships in the UK.
In May 2019, the Steenkamp family and DANCECORP representatives approached the Record, hoping to get the word out that Cayce needed financial help for the competition.
In addition to the article, Bronwyn Erasmus from DANCECORP set up a BackaBuddy webpage and fundraisers were asked to help find sponsors. With the money and support attained, both internationally and locally, Cayce was able to fly to Blackpool and compete against some of the best dancers in the world.
The competition was described as an adventure, with the explosive and energetic atmosphere being enhanced by the competitive spirit of each dancer and their teams. Mandy Steenkamp, Cayce’s mother, praised the heightened passion with which her daughter took to the floor for the first round, saying that her determination was clear.
The immense amount of training, nerves, fatigue and pain endured by the dancer bore fruit when she placed in the Quarter Finals (Top 20) for the U/16 World Champion Slowdance section.
Competing against approximately 120 of the best dancers in the world, just in her section, Cayce had her work cut out for her. Round after round, call-back after call-back, her fighting spirit, talent, and passion worked in her favour. She reached the Finals, taking home an overall fourth place in the U/16 World Championship Freestyle section.
“Being her first World Championship, we went over with small goals and no expectations. Cayce completely blew us away and danced her heart out and left everything on the floor. Words cannot describe how tremendously proud we are as parents,” said her proud parents, Gerrie and Mandy.
Cayce’s trainers, Kyle John Behrens and Shannon Michelle also expressed their pride, saying, “We are beyond proud and grateful. Every call-back sees competitors pushing harder and harder in the hopes of making the final, overcoming both physical and emotional obstacles not often experienced here in South Africa.”
Cayce and her parents have extended their thanks to the DANCECORP family, especially Shannon, who worked tirelessly to make sure that Cayce received all the necessary training and looked stunning at the competition. They also thanked the community and everyone who supported Cayce through their donations, kind words and by attending the fundraisers.
