No mean feat

Kate Kibugi, 24, is the Guinness World Record holder for the lowest limbo. She tells Shirley Genga how her love for dancing led to this achievement

What Guinness World Record did you break?

I set the world record for the lowest limbo (20cm) in March this year. (Limbo is a popular form of dance that entails dancing under a pole that is lowered each time the dancer passes under it without touching the pole).

I would not call myself an acrobat but a dancer. Dancing has always been my passion and it is what opened the door for me to set the Guinness World Record. I have loved dancing since I was a girl. I picked it up from my mum who was a drama teacher. She believed in the arts and would always encourage my four siblings and I to participate in drama. Sometimes she and dad would dance for us.

Thus, together with my two sisters and two brothers, we loved to play games that involved dancing. I loved anything that involved art or movement. Even when I joined high school at Mavoko Secondary School in Athi River, I joined drama club and was voted best actress manytimes at the provincial and district levels. I was always sporty and flexible, so I also played football and basketball. Although I was too short for basketball, I was taken in because I was the best dribbler.

After high school, did you go to campus or college?

By the time I was in Form Four, I knew I did not want to work in an office. I wanted to be an airhostess and travel the world or be a geologist and do something that required outdoor activity. A day after I finished my last paper in 2005, I went to the Kenya National Theatre for auditions in a play and I was picked.

During rehearsals, I heard about dancing auditions that were taking place at the theatre. I auditioned and was picked for a two-year dance scholarship with Kenya Performing Arts Group and began to tour with them in 2006. My parents kept asking me what I wanted to do with my life and I would always tell them to wait for me to decide. After two years, they finally saw that I was already where I belonged and they stopped asking.

How was the scholarship beneficial to you?

I not only got a diploma in dancing after the two years, but also got to learn different forms of dance from jazz to contemporary. I also took part in exchange programmes and workshops where I ravelled to Holland, UK, Belgium, China, Ethiopia and Rwanda. It was a wonderful experience and I got exposed to different cultures and dance forms.

When did you move to Sarakasi?

After the scholarship term ended, I realised I needed change. I wanted to broaden my horizons and so in 2009, I joined Sarakasi. I felt it suited me because it dealt with modern dance and had more outreach. Another advantage is that the group does not only deal with dances, but also other forms like acrobatics. I like learning new things and Sarakasi gave me that opportunity.

When was the attempt to break the Guinness World Record born?

Around mid January this year, Euro Production (a TV station in Italy) was searching for someone to break the world record for the lowest limbo, which at the time was 21.59cm. They were looking for someone who could do 21cm limbo record set by Shemika Charles in September last year. They contacted Sarakasi and we were asked if anyone wanted to attempt the feat. I like pushing and challenging myself, so I volunteered.

I began rigorous training because to break the record, I needed not only to be flexible, but also to strengthen my hips and thighs. It was intense and I would ask for strength from God when it got too tough and unbearable.

Towards the end of February, I was able to do the limbo at 21cm with fire on the pole and pictures and videos of me in action were sent to Euro Production. Between March 13 and 19, I flew to Italy and got ready for the event. I was not allowed to do the limbo with fire because of security reasons. This was to my advantage because instead of doing 21cm, I asked them to reduce to 20cm because the space taken up by the fire was eliminated.

How did you feel after breaking the record?

I felt wonderful. It was so unbelievable. It is a great achievement that I will cherish as long as I live. Can you believe that this petite girl who grew up in Athi River could touch the world? That was big for me. I now feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

What did you get for setting the new record?

I got a medal and a certificate and I will be featured in the Guinness World Record (2011) issue. There is no monetary reward like most people believe (laughs).

What is your favourite form of dance?

Afro-modern is my best because I get to infuse almost all aspects of dance including jazz. It is basically the process of creating your own dance by infusing different styles.

 I particularly like doing solo performances where I use my dance movements to tell a story or send a message. I also like doing duets, especially those that involve falling or jumping.

I am a ‘flyer’ and I love to be in the air. I do not fear being thrown up or falling.

What are the challenges of your profession?

Although we are taught techniques on how to avoid injuries, they still occur. I once broke my little finger and could not dance for two weeks because the dance involved movement of the fingers.

What are your other hobbies?

When I am not training at Sarakasi or performing, I work with kids. I am playful and I find working with kids rewarding. In 2009, I started working with autistic kids through dance.

 It is wonderful to watch how an autistic child can become more expressive or outgoing through dance.

It is truly a beautiful transformation. Dance is not just about fitness, but if used properly, it can instil confidence and discipline in kids. I also teach dance at a music camp at Makini Junior School.

Can you earn a living from dance?

Yes. The dance industry in Kenya has grown and a dancer today can earn a good living. I eat and live dancing. I live on my own and pay all my bills, thanks to dance.