EXTENDED and flowing. Crisp and angular.
With her deep blue eyes, dark hair and spontaneous laugh Chantell Joubert (38), who grew up in Johannesburg and recently moved to Jeffreys Bay, makes her impact through movement.
She smiles, “Dance is really what describes me . . . it allows me the freedom to express what I cannot say with words – it offers me another language. It takes me to a place where I can be myself.
“And, most important of all, it affords me the opportunity to inspire and uplift others.”
Her story is that of one who persevered, realising her determination to be a professional dancer – the best in South Africa – and pursuing a successful career nationally and internationally.
After years of hard work and countless sacrifices – not one ever too big – she holds South African colours for Latin American and freestyle dancing, and represented South Africa three times in the La-tin American division of the World Dance Competition – putting her in direct contact with international panel of adjudicators and competitors on a global scale.
But the highlight of her career was representing South Africa in the German World Championships in 2000, where she and her partner finished under the top 60.
This professional and world-known dancer, performer, choreo-grapher, instructor and adjudicator now wants to open her own dance studio in Jeffreys Bay.
Where did it start?
But, where did it all start?
After seeing Chantell waddling to the beat of music whenever the radio was on, showing a natural love and flair for movement, her mother Charmaine enrolled her for ballet classes at the very young age of three.
Dance classes – first freestyle which later evolved into Latin American and ballroom – followed soon afterwards.
Chantell, who was hooked from her first day at ballet class, laughs, “I always had a passion for dance and performing – I would mimic Olivia Newton John in all her dance scenes from the film Grease.
“As a shy toddler, dance gave me the freedom and ability to express myself in a way no words could explain. My mother saw my talent and searched for a dance school to nurture it.”
By the age of eight, dance was eve-rything to her.
Undefeated for five years, with her brother as a dance partner, Chantell was only 12 when she won her first South African title. Highly respected in her field, she turned professional at 18 – achieving championship status.
“And I loved every moment of it, from the early Saturday mornings to the long, everlasting nights. Dance consumed me . . .”
Repertoire
Over her years of dance, she performed next to the greats, including Amor Vittone; appeared on television in Tekkies, Skouspel, Egoli, So You Think You Can Dance and Strictly Come Dancing; and award shows such as the South African Music Awards.
She has performed for former President Nelson Mandela and the Sheik of Saudi Arabia.
Her successful repertoire furthermore includes the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the six-month reality television show The Summer: Winner Takes All that was aired on SABC 2, as well as the Domestos Road Show, World Productivity Congress, Posi+tive Concert, Decades Extravaganza, Mama Mia production, Fantasy and the launch of the then new BMW model range.
Chantell smiles, “Electrifying experiences and unforgettable, lifetime moments like these were so rewarding that I continue to push and be better than yesterday.
“I would not change my career for anything. I am so blessed to have been able to do what I love for a living.
“When dance is part of your identity, you simply cannot live without it.”
And what did she enjoy the most?
“Definitely being on stage – all the different productions and extravaganzas. You bring the audience into your world, and in that moment you are part of their lives.
“It would be wonderful if a production platform could be esta-blished in Jeffreys Bay – which is booming with local talent.”
Elevation
Now, three decades later, she wants to open her own dance studio – Elevation Chantell’s Dance Academy – in Jeffreys Bay with the aim of helping local dancers, whether first-time or skilled, refine their skills.
The name? Lifting people to another level: physically, spiritually and emotionally.
“I have thought long and hard about the name,” says a spiritual Chantell who owned two successful dance studios in Johannesburg. “I have come a full circle in my career where I can now also elevate other people.
“I want to train dancers – whether professional, competitive or social dancers – in a way that empowers them and leads them to awareness, authenticity and fearlessness.
“I also hope to attract people who would just like to dance for fun and exercise.”
Dance styles to be taught include hip hop, Latin American, ballroom, freestyle, disco, salsa, mambo, dance fitness, contemporary, rock ’n roll and belly dancing.
For information, contact Chantell at 073 019 2284 or send an email to elevationdancing@gmail.com.
Alternatively, contact Charmaine Joubert at 072 148 5410.
