The SADF judges were immensely impressed by the standard of social dances, which had improved markedly.
It was the first time ever that the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) and the SADF participated in the competitive section. There was also a pro/am division in which 110 couples participated.
The overseeing judge Gladys Bullock said the event had been so well organised that the SADF would gladly return next year to hold it in George again. Organiser Wehan van Jaarsveld, the director of the Dance Academies Group in George, is elated that the event has opened doors for the region. "The festival may not be a qualifier for the provincials, but it is nonetheless important for young dancers to build on their experience."
There were entrants from dance studios from all over Cape Town and Port Elizabeth but, despite the tough competition, the George dancers performed well and walked off with a lot of medals in their respective categories.
There were entrants from as young as six years old in the 'Tiny Tot' category who, with their perky and jaunty steps, endeared themselves to the audience of proud parents and friends. Van Jaarsveld said afterwards he would be advertising extensively to attract more people to the next festival. "It was a definite success and therefore worth repeating."
The lithesome Simoné Geland and Wehan van Jaarsveld gave a demonstration dance during the SADF Garden Route Festival - revealing their masterliness in fusing dance techniques.
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