Three Seychellois Dancers Qualify for Indian Ocean Championship
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Three young Seychellois dancers, Carlos Roucou, Dean Onezime and Kerry Tamboo, will be competing against other dancers in the Indian Ocean Championship regional dance tournament to be held in Mauritius in July. The three dancers qualified for the championship after having impressed the judges and audience with their talent and creativity at the qualification competition held on Saturday. The event was the first of its kind organised in Seychelles.
Speaking to the local press, chief executive of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), Albert Duncan, noted that the SNYC is happy with the level of participation, as well as the crowd who showed up to the Victoria Gymnasium to support the youths. The competition was a success, it had a good impact and a good outcome. We came out with three skilful winners, three youths who are ready to represent Seychelles in the regional competition, he stated.
Some 15 youths competed for the qualifier round. Onezime won the Hip Hop category, while Roucou took the title for the Afro style category. Tamboo won the breakdance category. Importantly, there is continued interest for youths to join SNYC programmes to be able to participate in dance programmes and similar events. The winners will now prepare for the regional event in July.
Mr Duncan added that the council is determined to professionalise the arts, and to expose youths to regional and international competitions or exchanges. The three qualifiers will have their travel and accommodation costs covered by the SNYC, allowing them to focus on their preparation. The council is also looking at how to support other young artists who did not qualify this time but who have shown real promise.
The regional competition will be held on July 13 to 14, 2024, in Mauritius. The SNYC will cover travel and accommodation costs for the winners, as part of its wider effort to give young people the chance to test themselves against their regional peers. A group of 13 young people, along with Mr Duncan, travelled to India for the 1st National Cadet Corps in January for a youth exchange programme, coinciding with India Republic Day celebrations.
