A dancer from a Zwavelpoort-based studio placed on the podium for every solo item she participated in at the 2019 International Dance Organization (IDO) World Championships.

Fifty countries and over 800 dancers participated in these championships in December in Ossa, Poland. Jawaun Bester was the only dancer that had a placing in all three genres. 

Jawaun Bester on the podium at the IDO World Championships

Jawaun Bester with the SA flag

Jawaun’s achievements include: Ballet Junior Female Solo Vice World Champion (second place); Jazz Junior Female second Solo Vice World Champion (third place); and Modern Junior Female Solo (fourth place).

Proud mom, Sarinda Bester, with her daughter, Jawaun Bester .

Anke and Elsje Styger with Jawaun Bester . .

Summer Steenkamp, left, and Jawaun Bester received a second place as the ballet junior female duo

Jawaun and Summer Steenkamp received a second place in the category Ballet Junior Female Duo Vice World Champion. Jawaun also qualified and danced in both semi finals for Jazz Duo and Modern Duo with duo partner, Elsje Styger. 

All Jawaun’s medals and trophies received at the championships

Jawaun, Summer and Elsje represented Leap for Joy Studios in Zwavelpoort with trainer and choreographer Tanya Fourie. They received their Protea Colours for Performing Arts through Dance Sport SA.