/ 8 June 2011

Preparing to dance the night away

A sense of excitement hangs in the air as learners look forward to their matric dances. Report and pictures by <b>Ayanda Sitole</b>.

A sense of excitement hangs in the air as learners look forward to their matric dances. Report and pictures by Ayanda Sitole.

Aviwe Mdoniso, grade 12

Barnato Park High
“I’m looking forward to the excitement and the fun I’ll have on the night of the matric dance. I’ve been dreaming about it since I got my grade 11 report. I’m excited to wear a suit. I’ve taken my inspiration from one of my favourite actors, Menzi Ngubane from Generations, and budgeted about R1?800 for a five-piece suit.”

Gift Chiloane, grade 11

matric dance committee member at Barnato Park High>
“Preparing for a dance is just as hectic for guys as it is for girls. You have to look for a suit that looks good on you and coordinate with your date and the theme of the dance. You also have to arrive in a well-known expensive car so you can turn heads when you arrive. But, most importantly, it’s about making the matrics happy.”

Lezinia Malishia Jacobs, grade 12

Barnato Park High
Jacobs says that her designer has been calling her about her dress for months now. “I think my dad is realising how serious the dance is. I’m going to wear a ballroom dress inspired by Jennifer Lopez in the movie Maid in Manhattan. I’m looking forward to the dance because it’s a wonderful opportunity to create new memories with my friends.”

Ayanda Collins

head girl at Roedean School
Collins said the most memorable thing about her dance was having to open the floor dancing with her boyfriend. “I had to write a speech and go for dance lessons. I had my dress made in Vietnam in December last year and it cost me $75. I wore my mom’s pearl necklace and ring and took two pairs of shoes — one to look good in and one for comfort.”

Rose Buckland, grade 11

matric dance committee member at Roedean School
Buckland said the most important lesson she learned as leader of a committee was how to delegate roles to different people depending on their strengths and weaknesses. “We had 14 matric dance committee members and we started planning in January. Our Japanese theme turned out to be cost-effective because we could find our decor at a good price and buy in bulk from China and Asia City.”

Rejoice Khumalo, grade 12

Barnato Park High
Khumalo budgeted R4?000 for her dress and she has been planning for the event since last year. “I can’t wait to see what the girls’ hair is going to look like. I will see my friends looking glamorous for the first time. The dance is like a reward for working hard —”