Dance Sport Welcome BNSC Move

By Chippa Legodimo
Correspondent | Monday March 31, 2008 00:00

 

The decision has left members of BODANSA jubilant and optimistic about the future of the sport in the country.

One of the dancers, Botlhe Mmolawa, told Monitor Sport they have finally got the chance to shine on the international stage and perhaps like other sports personalities, start making a living out of their talents.

'I am happy that we finally got affiliated. This is the break that we have long waited for. Now we can get a chance to hoist Botswana's flag in international competitions,' Mmolawa said.

She has always wanted to become a professional and make money while she enjoys herself on stage. She said affiliation will motivate them to take part in the sport unlike before when they were mainly doing it for fun.

She stated that the onus rests with individual dancers and administrators to ensure that their new status benefits the whole country.

'It is now all up to us to improve on our skills and make money when possible, the limitations are no longer there.

I was very happy when the announcement was made,' she said. BODANSA spokesperson Tshepo Mokhutshedi echoed the same sentiments, saying their acceptance by the BNSC was a move in the right direction.

'Many people do not know that we are ranked second in southern Africa after South Africa but unfortunately our dancers could not progress to the international stage because we were not officially recognised as we were not affiliated to BNSC.

All codes are sent for international competitions by BNSC,' he said. He said that his association is now planning to affiliate with both BISA and the International Olympic Committee.

He said most dancers who have been in oblivion have indicated that they want to come back. 'We have been receiving calls from most of them who now want to get involved.

Grassroots development will be vital if we ever want to achieve international success. We should stop complaining about the past and focus on the future,' Mokhutshedi said.