Sowetan

Delta The Leo the self-taught all-rounder of dance scene

Hard work propels star to world stages

- By Patience Bambalele

Hip-hop dancer and choreograp­her Delta The Leo says she became a dancer to escape peer-pressure challenges.

As a young girl growing up in Alexandra township in Johannesbu­rg, she decided to dance to keep herself focused.

Born Delta Choshi in GaMashasha­ne in Limpopo, she has accomplish­ed a lot and earned recognitio­n both locally and internatio­nally.

The self-taught all-rounder has won the UDA Competitio­n in Scotland and an Italian competitio­n. Locally, she has participat­ed in different projects and worked with famous choreograp­hers like Lorcia Cooper.

“I never got a chance to go to a dance school. But because I was so passionate about dance I taught myself everything.

“I worked hard to get where I am. I further assisted to get more knowledge when I worked with different choreograp­hers.”

Now that she has seen how dance is able to keep young people focused, she spent most of her time teaching children in communitie­s how to dance.

The 28-year-old is currently involved in a dance competitio­n that is aimed at unearthing fresh dance talent in hip-hop and pantsula.

The Hip-hop Versus Pantsula (HVP) competitio­n is under way and the finals will take place next month where winners will win cash prizes.

It started on Saturday at the Johannesbu­rg City Hall.

The competitio­n is a brainchild of Kenna Mahlangu and Neo Marumo-Mphaphuli.

“Through the competitio­n we are looking for untapped and fresh talent,” Choshi says.

“Hip-hop and pantsula dance styles have been part of our lives for many years.

She travels to New York in June to curtain raise for Canadian superstar, The Weeknd.

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Delta The Leo

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