Game of Rhodes competition too close to call

While on assignment for Grocott’s Mail, I covered a talent competition organised by Rhodes University. Below is my review of the night, which was subsequently published by Grocott’s Mail.

By Aviva Lerer

14 May 2017

On Tuesday 10^th May, approximately 100 guests; six contestants; and six judges gathered in Prime nightclub for the finals of the inaugural Game of Rhodes DanceSport competition. After a hard-fought battle, Antoinette Motloung and Penang Shirindza walked away as joint champions.

The event, which was organised by the Rhodes University DanceSport Club in conjuction with the Rat and Parrot, featured the final six of what started as 11 Rhodes students, all competing for glory.

The evening’s competition consisted of three segments: Talent – during which participants performed their chosen special skill and which featured a mix of singing, dancing, and music; Trivia – where the finalists showed off their Rhodes-related general knowledge; and Cheer – wherein each participant made a case to the judges for why they should be awarded extra points by cheerleading and/or discussing themselves and what they would do if they won.

In-between each segment, audience members were given the opportunity to perform for those gathered and participated in mini competitions of their own. In a surprise move by the judges, guest Sharissa Borchard was asked to become a seventh competitor following her participation in a voluntary dance-off for audience members.

Following a long evening of competition; top-notch performances; and banter, the judges reached their decision. Coming in at joint first place were Antoinette Motloung and Penang Shirindza. Joint second place was awarded to Abel Gaiya and Amogelang Matjila, while Siph’esihle Ndava and Kevin Chimuka received consolation prizes.

“Judging was really difficult because we all had our preferences – but I had fun, and well done [to the dancers],” said Verona Davidz – the Rhodes SRC’s Projects Manager and one of the night’s judges.

The event raised a total of R2000 from ticket and refreshment sales. Profits are to be split between Rhodes DanceSport, who will be using the money towards their running costs, and the Rat and Parrot, who will be donating their profits to the Grahamstown SPCA.

Although Rat and Parrot manager Dudu Nyakoto stated that there was room for improvement, he was satisfied with the event overall. He stated: “The turn-out [was] really low, unfortunately, but it’s turned out nicely and we’re happy. We’re hoping to make this an annual event, extending it to the greater Grahamstown population.”