Odile's parents speak. Odile is in her second year of primary school and has just completed her first year as a dancer on the Ballet team and the Modern team at Ndigo.
For us and for Odile, it was a lovely experience every single time.
Did the dance season with the team turn out as you had expected?
I don't think Odile really had expectations. It was all rather unknown to her. She only saw the end result — the competition choreography — and didn't realise what it takes to get there. But she looks back on it very positively.
Did your dancer enjoy the competitions?
Of course, the first competition is the most nerve-wracking. But we feel she was guided through it really well. Odile also knew beforehand what was coming — it had already been discussed in class. The Ndigo dancers warm up together, and there is guidance right through to the end of their competition. For us and for Odile, it was a lovely experience every single time.
Did your dancer enjoy the team lessons?
Yes, though in the beginning she sometimes found it a bit daunting. She needed to grow into it. As she got to know everyone better and understood what the lessons involved, that changed.
Joining a new group was nerve-wracking. But she has definitely overcome that now.
Did your dancer have any fears beforehand? Have those been overcome?
At first she didn't quite know what it all involved. Among the older children she didn't always feel confident. Joining a new group was nerve-wracking. But she has definitely overcome that now.
Any other ideas or suggestions?
Perhaps it would be nice to organise an activity at the start of the dance year so the team members can get to know each other better.