This Kuils River meisie is ready to skut her biscuit after being chosen to represent South Africa at the 19th annual World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Arizona, USA.
Thirteen-year-old Tara Africa is a hip hop dancer at the XO Empire dance club in Northpine and has been with her crew for three years.
Tara needs R50 000 to go on the trip and take part in the competition in August. This includes her flight, food and accommodation.
Tara and XO Empire achieved top honours at the South African Hip Hop Dance Championships held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in December.
Her proud mom, Hayley Africa, says Tara was shocked two weeks ago when she received news that she would be representing SA in the USA along with 20 other dancers.
CREW: Tara performing with her team XO Empire dance club. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Hayley says Tara’s dancing amazes her as she had had open heart surgery when she was only two years old.
She was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a condition where a vein connecting two major arteries in the heart fails to close after birth.
VIDEO: SUPPLIED
An uncorrected PDA may lead to congestive heart failure with increasing age.
“Tara is my only child and my miracle child. I am so proud of her.
“She has been dancing since she was four years old.
“I am in awe of my daughter’s talent and need the world to see my baby,” Hayley says.
VIDEO: SUPPLIED
The single mom holds down two jobs and she also sells jewellery and accessories for a well-known brand.
The family will be hosting a fundraising event for Tara at Mia Casa club in Kuils River on 2 March. Tickets will be pre-sold at R100 each and there will be a live band.
“We will be selling boerewors rolls as well and all the money will be paid directly into Hip Hop International’s account for Tara,” Hayley says.
VIDEO: SUPPLIED
An excited Tara adds: “This is my dream. Please help send me there. I want to make my mommy proud and all of you as well.”
For tickets or to donate to Tara’s cause, please contact Hayley on 063 179 7430.