Dance stars

It was a rainy day but that did not deter this group of four teenagers from Eastlands from doing their best and emerging as the winners of Always Dance Off competition held at Uhuru Park last year, writes NELLY OBADHA

On December 16 last year, Myst, a group of four teenage girls emerged as winners of the Always Dance Off Competition that saw the involvement of more than 100 other female contestants from all over the country.  It was their first time performing in front of a large crowd of spectators, their families, friends and judges. Three members of the group tell us about their dreams and ambitions...

Alexandra Adhiambo, 18, tells us more... 

How was the group formed?

Myst is short for mysterious, we decided to take the name because all the girls in the group have never been in the limelight before.   The group was formed the year after we completed high school. One of us had one of the participation cards and we decided to give it a try.  

How did you find the competition?

When we went to the competition, we did not know what people expected of us. Apart from some stage fright, we were  confident about our routine.

Getting the flow and rhythm was not  easy at first, but as the competition went on and we built confidence, it was not that hard. Before we got on stage, we would dance to the music that was being played in the main arena. This gave us more psyche for the final dance.

What did you do to ensure you won the competition?

We had to practise until our routines were perfect. We practiced everyday and night. The last day to the competition, we even had a sleepover just to practice.

The other thing that really kept us going was the support from our friends and families.

How did you manage to get the kits and for the competition?

Getting the stage outfits was not easy because we needed to get something uniform.  We had to shop around to get exactly what we wanted. 

Our friends and families contributed towards the finances for transport, the kits, and every little thing we needed for the competition.

How much did you win?

The prize money was Sh80,000. We split the money amongst the four of us. Each person got Sh20,000. As for me I gave Sh10,000 to a project my mum is working on and used the rest on myself.

What are your future plans as a group?

As a group, I believe we can make it big. We will keep competing. The good thing about our group is that we are flexible about dancing with opther crews.

Winning this competition isn’t the end but the beginning of a long journey to where we want to get in the near future

What have you been doing since you left St Georges Girl’s High School?

I am part of a talent developing youth group. We dance, sing, act and do philanthropic work as well as helping each other grow spiritually. I am also studying Information Technology at the Institute of Advanced Technology.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of six. We used to have Lingala dance competitions with my cousins. We danced to Koffi Olomide’s songs. I always won and got the Sh200 that was offered. I continued dancing in church groups and also in high school. I can dance to any music, but I prefer Gospel.

What career do you plan to pursue?

I plan to venture into a business related career. I hope to join the United States International University in September. 

Maryanne Wahito, 18.

When did you join Myst?

When did you realise you loved dancing?

I started dancing way back in high school as a Form Two student.  I used to dance with some friends and we performed in school events.

What are your future plans with dancing?

I enjoy dancing a lot. It’s a hobby and talent that I will not let go of that easily. I still  dance, train  and go for events and other competitions with various dance crews. Dancing is and will always be a part of my life.

How has dancing with the group Myst chnaged your life?

 I have been able to meet and dance with many other dancers and crews who have inspired me. Many have encouraged me to keep building this talent.  Dancing as a talent is now being taken seriously in Kenya and with this comes a lot of opportunities for me and the crew.

How did you feel when your crew was called out as winners of the Always Dance Off competition?

One thing I know is that it was all achieved through a lot of hard work and prayer.

Winning this competition has impacted my life positively. I have been able to motivate my friends and fellow students to utilise their talents and have a passion in it whatever they do.

 Lucy Angie Gathoni Wahome, 18.

 What have you been doing for the one year you have been out of school?

Apart from dancing with Myst, I have also been dancing in a group called Alliance dancers.  I recently joined Daystar University to study Mass media.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing when I was in primary school then continued in secondary at Gitwe Girls’ and here I am still dancing.

 What are your future plans with dancing? Or was this a one time thing?

For me, dancing is something in built so I am planning to keep going on with it. I want to be a dance choreographer in future. I am not retiring from dancing not anytime soon.

How has dancing been able to changed your life?

It has enabled me to get opportunities to travel to different places and meet new people in my life. It has also taught me a lot about grabbing every opportunity that comes my way, and winning this competition is one example of what am talking about.

 What impact has winning had on your life?

First of all, my family and friends have been able to see what I can do and they appreciate it and believe in me. It has also enabled me to build my self-confidence. I am confident I can do anything I put my mind to.

This group of young people were able to make it. With determination, you canmake it in whatever path in life you have decided to take. It’s all up to you.