Pint-sized acrobat a dancing superstar

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Vashti Mungal is a superstar who is causing a stir in the realm of acrobatics.

She received her South African colours in dance acrobatics this month – only 10 months after she started doing the sport.

Vashti lives in umhlanga with her parents, Viren and Yashika, and sister Sriya. She is a Grade 2 pupil at Reddam House umhlanga.

Her mother said she noticed that from the age of three Vashti was very agile and flexible.

“While bouncing on the bed, she would effortlessly fall into the splits. She also has a supple back,” said Mungal.

“Vashti first showed an interest in acrobatics after watching a show on the Disney channel at the age of four.”

Vashti began acrobatics in March last year with a 45-minute session weekly. Shortly afterwards she did her first exam and passed with distinction.

Mungal said Vashti was selected to compete at provincial level and got her Kwazulu-natal colours late last year.

One of the youngest in the

KZN team, she was determined to participate in the South African championships. “She is a tiny seven-year-old with incredible might,” said Mungal.

“I try hard and train as much as I can in my spare time,” said Vashti. “My driving force is the support from my family, especially my sister.

“I competed in the South African Championships of Performing Arts (Sacopa) in Rustenburg, which started on Good Friday. It ran over 10 days.

“More than 2500 people took part. I won two gold medals and was very excited. I received medals in all five categories in which I competed.”

She was selected as one of

30 solo performers (from about 3000) for the Sacopa Showcase, which is the event at which the SA team is announced (it was livestreamed).

Vashti is thrilled to be part of the South African acrobatics team and represent the country at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Palm Beach, Los Angeles, in July.

Her parents said they were proud and grateful to have been able to support her talent and interests. They said they were still considering the opportunity.

Their daughter is one of the youngest in Team SA, making it an even more difficult decision for her parents.

Vashti, who wants to be a painter when she grows up, said she was inspired by her mother, who used to be a dancer.

She said starting her Bharatanatyam class with her mother had motivated her and encouraged her to accomplish so much in her performances.