Latest news with #DanvilleParkGirl'sHighSchool
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Durban teens honoured to represent South Africa at World Gymnastics Champs
The five Durban gymnasts who represented South Africa in Bulgaria. Abigail Smulders - Danville Park Girl's High School, Riley Gouws - Our Lady of Fatima, Hanna Chengiah - Eden College Durban, Naluthando Mbelu - Maris Stella, and Thandolwethu Mthiyane - Durban Girl's High School. Image: Raelen Chengiah THEY left as teammates and returned as sisters. Five Durban teenagers arrived back in South Africa this week after competing at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in Bulgaria, a trip they say brought them pride, perspective, and lifelong friendships. Abigail Smulders, Riley Gouws, Hanna Faith Chengiah, Naluthando Mbelu, and Thandolwethu Mthiyane, all aged 14, represented South Africa at one of the sport's biggest international events for juniors. While they didn't return with medals, they say the experience was unforgettable, and one they'll carry into their future as gymnasts and young women. Speaking to the Independent on Saturday, the girls reflected on the excitement of walking into the arena in their South African colours, performing in front of a global audience, and soaking up every moment of their time in Sofia. Just hours after returning home, Hanna Chengiah, from Eden College Durban, was already back in the gym preparing for the SA Gym Games in October, where she has previously claimed top honours. She competed in Bulgaria despite injuries to her back and shin splints in both legs. 'I learnt that there's always more to learn,' she said, impressed by the high standard of teams from around the world. A personal highlight for Hanna was meeting Bulgarian star Stiliana Nikolova, one of her role models in the sport. Abigail Smulders, from Danville Park Girls' High School, said the lead-up to the competition was intense, with the girls spending every spare moment rehearsing their routines, while also fitting in schoolwork. 'My favourite part was the day after we competed, watching the finals. The top eight gymnasts in each apparatus were just incredible to see,' she said. 'Another highlight was exploring the city with the team. I'm so grateful I got to share it with such an amazing group of girls. They feel like sisters to me now.' Riley Gouws, from Our Lady of Fatima, said they trained up to 16 hours a week before leaving for Bulgaria. The hard work was demanding, but it paid off in team spirit and friendship. 'We all got really close. I've made friends I'll keep for life,' she said. 'One thing I've taken from this is that you need the right mindset to compete. If you don't believe in yourself, you won't perform your best.' Thandolwethu Mthiyane, from Durban Girls' High School, was struck by how warmly South Africans are viewed in Bulgaria. She said it was an honour to represent the country abroad, but staying focused in a high-pressure environment was a challenge. 'There were so many distractions. You have to block everything else out and just remember why you're there. Once you've finished your routine, that's when you can take it all in.' Naluthando Mbelu, from Maris Stella School, known as the 'mom' of the group and said their club routine was especially well received. 'The crowd loved it. We got so much applause,' she said. 'We weren't thinking about the scores, we were just proud to show people what we had prepared, and to represent South Africa.' She also spoke about the financial effort behind getting the team to Europe; which cost about R50 000 for each of them. 'Our parents worked like crazy to try and get us the money to go to Bulgaria.' Their fundraising efforts included raffles, selling goods, donations, and Back-a-Buddy campaign. 'This was my last competition as a junior. I turn 15 this year, so I'll move into the senior level next year. Competing at the Junior World Championships for a second time was just incredible,'Naluthando said.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Shrek the Musical: a delightful escape at new Milkwood Theatre
The three Fionas in Shrek the Musical which is currently on at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girl's High School. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson With an abundance of doom and gloom around us, it is fabulous to be part of a fearless display of reckless optimism: the opening of a brand-new theatre in the suburbs, and the staging of a happy feel-good musical with a huge cast of great kids. Cancel therapy and stop doom scrolling to revel in a few hours of unadulterated delight in the company of a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a chatty donkey, a fiery dragon and a frolic of fairytale friends in Shrek the Musical. Young Performers Project (YPP) is continually one of the city's brightest beacons with a slew of brilliant productions to its name. In recent years, its collaboration with ISPA (International School of Performing Arts) is inspired – adding another level of talent and experience into the mix. The winning recipe is – a top-notch production team of experts; a professional cast member (this time the ever-dependable Lyle Buxton); post matric aspirant performing arts students and a cast of primary and high school learners from a variety of schools who have auditioned to be part of the YPP company. The result is a highly professional production, with a multi-generational cast and excellent production standards. Shrek the Musical is the delightful, charming and hugely funny West End musical adaptation of the Dreamworks smash hit film. It is an excellent choice for YPP– its large ensemble cast of 36 kids, allows for plenty of moments for each of the children to shine. The character roles were all excellent. With just the right amount of familiarity referencing the much-loved animated movie, while still adding their own interpretation of their characters. And all of their international accents were spot on! Motor-mouthed Donkey (James Armstrong) did a great job harnessing his inner Eddie Murphy; Lord Farquaad (Damien Butt) has perfected the haughty head toss and throw-away lines while shuffling around on his knees; Pinocchio (Matthew Brown), in his pink crocs, was great fun with his ever-growing proboscis and squeaky voice; and the tall and imposing Daniel Mayiza was a hoot as the Big Bad Wolf. I was particularly impressed by Gingy – the Gingerbread wo/man. Anele Mtshali has an amazing confident voice and great presence, as do all the Fionas. There are three Princess Fionas per show (and alternating casts) representing young Fiona, teenage Fiona and adult Fiona. They were great together in their joint show stopping number, 'I Know It's Today'. Chloe Marot as adult Fiona is just lovely – just the right mix of feisty and vulnerable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The cast of Shrek the Musical. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson
