Ball for All – a Formal Dance for Wheelchair Users and Amputees, rocked the foundations of Centurion on the weekend. One Hundred and Fifty guests from all over the country gathered for an evening of classy “Wine, Dine, Dance and Song”.
Guests of Honour included – August Schmiedeskamp jnr – esteemed Author, MD and inspiration to the event, Mr Ari Seirlis, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary H.E. Mr Beka Dvali Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia in the Republic of South Africa as well as eleven other countries, Emilie Olifant – Founder of the Emilie Olifant Foundation, Miss Wheelchair World First Princess Lebohang Monyatsi known as Lee Elle, Dr Jaco Viljoen Orthopaedic Surgeon, Athlete, Model and Motivational Speakers Heugene Murray and Tania van Twisk.
August’s powerful speech was read by his dear friend and partner for the evening Sarita Louise Downing. The couple opened the dance floor to “Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing performed by Annelize and Heinrich. Several guests formed a Guard of Honour, holding golden sparklers that lit the way, after which they joined the couple on the dance floor.
A Wheelchair Ballroom Dance Performance by David Lombaard owner at De La Vida Dance Studio and Tania van Twisk Model and Motivational Speaker was enjoyed by all. Comments like “Incredibly beautiful, romantic and emotional” were heard.
Elmarie Bouwer, organizer of the event, announced “It was not part of the initial plan, but as the dance unfolded during rehearsals, David and I decided to investigate the possibility of starting a Dance Federation for Differently Abled South Africans.”
The announcement was welcomed with enthusiastic applause. Viv Sierra from Chairman Industries immediately offered to sponsor a Ballroom Dance Wheelchair for the Federation – which had the guests burst into another round of applause.
Nicole and Nick from Smergos won the First Prize for the most guests present on the evening – with forty snazzily clad guests from Johannesburg. Sam with his 22 “dressed to kill” guests from Soshanguve was runner up in the contest. Needless to say – give a man a challenge, and he’ll rise to the occasion. Nick, Sam and David are already competing for First Place in 2019, committing to filling a hall the size of the Hannover Messegelände.
All the guests danced with gusto to the soloist performances of Ilana, Annelize, Heinrich and Danté from Hoërskool Zwartkop as well as Lidel from Hoërskool Eldoraigne in Centurion. Diva Liesl Marx-Davel from Doxa Deo Fairy Glen entertained the guests with two songs – “River Deep Mountain High” and “Dixieland”. Qué Séra Music & Dance very professionally provided the sound and lighting – with a kaleidoscope of colours synchronized to the beat of the music – the ambience was – to dance for.
Shaun Wilkinson – Ward 59 Councillor, Tshwane MCed the event like the PRO he is, however – he’ll have to sleep with his one eye open, after having given Elmarie a sleepless night or two, by pretending he had the date wrong.
Everyone gathered on the dance floor for a vibrant Line Dance, under the guidance of David, to the tune of “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars.
Jaco Deist from Deist & Associates Prosthetic Centre, Nicole Vergos and Nick Smith from Smergos, Viv Sierra from Chairman Industries danced the night away with the guests and Gordon from Sheer Mobility was there in spirit.
The evening was one runaway success, “Soli Deo Gloria!” and everyone agreed – next year we’re going even bigger… Don your dancing shoes and join us! www.ballforall.co.za
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