Dancer makes it into New York dance programme

A young dancer from Pinati Estate crushed her audition for a spot at the internationally renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York.

Jesse Bredenkamp, 20, and her family are over the moon for this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, which will see her do a five-week intensive training programme. The only thing standing in her way of fulfilling this dream is raising enough funds for the R75 000 she needs.

Jesse started her dance journey at the Eoan Group of School of Performing Arts as a nine-year-old. 

“My family was all surprised when I told them I wanted to dance. None of them are dancers. My mom enrolled my sister and me for gymnastics and two years later, I just randomly decided I wanted to dance. My family couldn’t understand where it came from. I started with modern dance and hip hop, and by the age of 10, I did modern dance, hip hop and ballet. From there, I developed a full-on dance schedule, where I practised six days a week. When I was in Grade 10, we decided that I should do homeschooling, which allowed me more time for dancing. It was tough leaving the Eoan Group, because I had an established routine. Now I use my gym membership to help me with my strength training and endurance,” Jesse said.

Over the years, she has also picked up some awards. Among them is being placed third in the Theatre Dance Association’s (TDA) competition for contemporary dance in 2022. The following year, she won the contemporary dance section at the TDA. 

“I always wanted to experience the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, as it is one of the biggest dance schools in the world. I am hoping to hone my contemporary dance skills. My family has been very supportive and nothing is ever too much for them. I am super blessed,” she said.

Her mother, Celeste Bredenkamp, said she always had her parents supporting her, “which was the one thing I carried with me”. 

The mother of three added: “My advice to my daughters was always to dream big. As their parents, we should assist in realising their dreams. Before we saw her first performance, where her natural talent for dancing was displayed, we had no idea that Jesse could dance. Not only is her acceptance at Alvin Ailey an accomplishment for Jesse, but it also serves as a reminder to our family that hard work is rewarded and that, if it is meant for her, nothing or no one can stop you. To say that we are proud of this accomplishment would be an understatement. It's an achievement of note and this is just the beginning of many more opportunities. We thank God for favour and open doors and that this is setting the platform for many more aspiring youngsters to not stop dreaming and also to realise their dreams,” Ms Bredenkamp said

The family has set up a Back-a-Buddy campaign for Jesse, as she would need these funds by next month.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/jesses-journey-alvin-ailey-new-york-bound