Cape Town - A local majorette is ready to level up against the best in the country at the Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading and Majorette Sport South Africa (FDDCMSA) national championships.
Michandre Abrahams, from Delft, is among 27 majorettes who will represent the Western Cape senior team at the four-day competition in Bloemfontein next week.
The Grade 11 pupil at Hindle High School said she is excited to represent the Western Cape team.
“I am super proud of myself because this is a huge achievement that I thought I’d never achieve. My message to my teammates is to give it their best and just enjoy the competition.
“When I went for the trials I was very nervous because I got drawn to go first. However, my coach gave me a higher number so that I could calm myself down and have more time to prepare.
“When it was finally time to perform, I told myself this is what I want and this was something I always dreamt about as a kid. I had so much confidence after my performance and had the feeling that I would make the team. A week or two later I received a message to say I made the team,” she said.
Michandre has been involved in the sport for more than six years.
“When I saw drum majorettes practising on the field, it looked like something fun and exciting. That was when I decided that I would also like to join.
“I enjoy every moment when I am marching on the field. Once the crowd screams it makes me more excited and it inspires me to give my best. I want to show them that I deserve first place as well as the judges.
“My goal is to study teaching after high school,” she added.
Western Cape senior team coach Chantal Lombard said they expect to set a good competitive platform against the other competing provinces at nationals and hope to place in the top two.
“After minimal practices with a full team present and the disappointment of athletes not being able to continue (due to the Covid-19 pandemic) was certainly among the lows for me. However, the effort and commitment these athletes have pushed themselves to excel on such a high level is tremendously admirable.
“We are so proud to be part of the Federation of Dance, Drill, Cheerleading and Majorettes of the Western Cape (FDDCMWC) allowing us the opportunity to get back on the field again doing what we love most,” she said.