SA dancers’ global triumph an ‘unforgettable’ experience

When their feet hit the stage at the Global Dance Open (GDO) finals, 15-year-old Sami Levin and 13-year-old Jack Oscar Katz knew their hard work had paid off. Their talent and dedication were recognised as they were nominated for Artist of the Globe and Dancer of the Globe and Young Artist of the Globe and Dancer of the Globe, respectively.

Levin and Katz, who dance at Shablam Dance Academy and Eborall Melville DeWitt School of Ballet, were a part of team South Africa, dancing in 14 dances in the upper division of the GDO finals in Birmingham, England, from 16 to 21 July. They both competed in the upper division, meaning that each of their dances scored 90% and above in the qualifiers in Johannesburg last November.

This was the first international dance competition for Katz, while Levin has travelled to many places for dance, even getting her Protea colours in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

By being nominated for their awards, they were allowed to perform at the GDO Performance Gala, often referred to as “the gala”, an event during the GDO finals, designed to spotlight dancers’ most compelling pieces. They were also chosen to perform in the GDO Classical Gala, which is dedicated to classical ballet excellence. There, they were able to perform solo and in a group. They started learning skills before the competition over Zoom, then once they got to Birmingham, continued rehearsing their dances with the other dancers.

“It was a big showcase of the competition, and they picked certain routines to perform again in the gala,” said Katz. “It was like a separate competition in a gala where you could perform a solo, and you had the opportunity to get scholarships based on how you performed.”

“We also got to perform a group piece that was choreographed by an international choreographer, and we performed it in the gala in front of thousands of people,” said Levin.

Levin did a contemporary style group dance with the dancers nominated for Artist and Dancer of the Globe, while Katz did an Indian style dance with those nominated for the Young Artist and Dancer of the Globe.

“There was also a joint piece with everyone who got nominated for Dancer of the Globe, with ages ranging from eight to 20-something, with 38 of us from all over the world competing in a group piece,” said Katz.

Both young dancers were given scholarships to attend prestigious dance schools for a short programme before the competition – Levin for a week at the Steps on Broadway Academy; and Katz to an intensive course at Bird College in London.

They rehearsed around the clock, even more than their usual dancing hours, which can be anywhere from two to four hours a day.

“It was multiple hours of private lessons. It did get repetitive,” said Katz, “You have to do the same dance over and over, and polish it and change some stuff.”

“It was hectic and draining, but so worth it. Standing on that stage for the first time was fulfilling,” said Levin. “Knowing that I was representing my country and showcasing who I was, and after working so hard for so many months, it felt like everything was worth it. I felt proud to be on stage.”

One of Katz’s duet dances with Isabella Rose Moritz came third in its category, and for the rest of his dances, he placed in the top-10 of the category.

“It was exhilarating. We were excited and shocked because it was a strong section,” said Katz.

Similarly, Levin came in second place for her ballet repertoire, making her Vice World Champion for that category. “It was unbelievable to know that out of such a strong section against people from all over the world, I came second,” she said.

For Levin, being able to perform two gala pieces was something that she will never forget. “I’ve never met most of the people that we performed with [before],” she said. “They were from all around Europe, America, everywhere. It was nice that we could come together, learn a piece, and perform it together, dancing on the same stage in front of thousands. I’m inspired by all of them, seeing how they move and everything.”

Katz finds expression through movement and dance. “By moving around, you’re able to tell a story and make somebody feel something,” he said.