Dancer: Pelagia Zimney

Pelagia Zimney (17) started dancing at the age of five. She began with ballet and quickly transitioned into hip-hop, a dance form she still practices today.

Creative performers don’t often have the most stable jobs, but Zimney believes she can make a career out of dancing. She also plans to branch out into acting and singing.

She started by taking private lessons in her garage with her dance coach to prepare for various performing arts competitions. A lot of income for a dancer comes from winning competitions. This year, she travelled to Los Angeles to compete in the World Championships of Performing Arts, where she won a scholarship of US$15 000.

“I am planning to go to university for dancing, and since I have a scholarship at the New York Conservatory, my dream is already coming true.”



‘Dance your heart out’

Since a dancer is judged on their performance and not their knowledge, it is often not required for dancers to attend university for formal education.

“A dancer mostly needs skills and can always learn more,” Zimney explained. “There will always be something to add to your repertoire.” She says that for dancers, the most important characteristics are confidence, good rhythm and physical fitness – all of which can be practiced.

An average day in a dancer’s life consists of practice, staying fit and staying inspired, often by looking at online resources.

“The biggest challenge I face in my day-to-day life is the threat of injury,” she says. “Other than that, it is just being physically pushed.”

Despite this, Zimney wants to encourage dancers to never give up. “Dance your heart out, write and tell your own stories with movement and passion,” she says.