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Joy of dance

Years of discipline and dedication have paid off for world gold medallist ballet champion Shiloh Godefroy. She finally got her shot at a dream opportunity – a scholarship to the American Academy of Ballet in New York – and more.

2024 was a year of hard work and chasing dreams for Shiloh Godefroy, a 14-year-old local ballet dancer who lives and breathes ballet. Her dedication to the art has seen her compete on a world stage for the first time, and she just keeps wowing with her talents. Now, ahead of her 15th birthday, she’s clinched a spot at the Summer School of Excellence, hosted at American Academy of Ballet in New York, was invited to attend the Young National Ballet of Japan Gala at the New National Theatre in Tokyo and was chosen as a 2025 Ambassador for Ballet Rosa – an international dance wear company. Filled with excitement for the months ahead, she reflects – with emotion and joy – on how dance has shaped her journey.

Photo: Samantha Coutts

“Dance has always been more than just an art form for me- it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” says Shiloh who began dancing at the age of three.

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“Since dance runs in the family – my mom, Nicole McCreedy, was a professional ballerina and contemporary dancer – it quickly became not just a passion, but a part of who I am. I’ve always been inspired by my mom’s grace, dedication and her love for the art, and I guess it just rubbed off on me.”

Shiloh, who grew up and was educated in the Upper Highway area, spent a decade being mentored by the likes of Beverly Hall from the KZN Dance Centre and Lynn Totham from Lynn Totham Dance Academy. When the demands of dance became too great, Shiloh started home school and took up dancing through Taryn Makaab Smit at Break-Thru Dance Academy & Co on the North Coast, where they now live. She spends about 25 plus hours training each week.

“From a young age, I have dedicated countless hours to mastering various dance forms – ballet, contemporary, Pilates and floor barre – each designed to build my technique and serve as the essential foundation for my dancing. These disciplines help me refine my skills, improve my strength and flexibility, and ultimately ensure I can perform at my best.”

Shiloh’s home-schooling flexibility allows her to invest significant time daily in dance. This commitment has opened significant doors to extraordinary opportunities, like representing South Africa on the global stage and dancing alongside the best dancers in the world.

“Recently, I was honoured to be awarded the World Dance Cup SA Best Solo Dancer of the Year, which led to my participation in the Dance World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, alongside dancers from 57 countries. It was an incredible experience and I am proud to share that I earned three gold medals and one silver.”

Other highlights for Shiloh include competing in the South African International Dance Competition where she earned two gold medals, the YAGP Virtual Competition where she placed third, AIDT Dancer of the Year for 2023 and 2024 and was awarded the Mabel Ryan Award – Cecchetti Intermediate Foundation awards.

“I’ve also been honoured to win numerous scholarships to summer intensives around the world, most recently to the prestigious American Ballet Academy. These experiences have impacted my life in such a positive way by teaching me resilience, confidence and the value of hard work. They’ve allowed me to connect with dancers from around the world, push my limits and celebrate the joy of performing on stage.”

Having such successes at an international level has reassured Shiloh that dance is not only something she loves to do, but also something she is very capable at. Unconditionally supported by her family, she appreciates that many of the life-changing events that lie ahead cannot only be chased with passion and commitment alone. The costs associated with international travel, accommodation, training, pointe shoes, costumes and competition entry fees are considerable. And with a slew of major comps lined up for 2025, any financial help to cover these expenses will not only help Shiloh achieve her dreams, but also serve as an inspiration to other young dancers in the community to pursue their passion with determination and dedication.

Where there is hard work, there must also be rest, recovery and gentle play, and for Shiloh this is in the form of holistic healing.

Photo: Tilanie Grote Photography

“Rest is just as important as training. I’ve learned that rest allows my body to repair, recharge, and prepare for the next challenge,” says Shiloh, adding that flexibility is another crucial aspect, as it helps prevent injuries, improve range of motion and enhance performance. A combination of proper rest, flexibility and strength training helps her to stay balanced and healthy, which is key to sustaining a long and successful career in dance.

“From the first time I set foot in a studio, I realised it wasn’t just about learning steps; it was about feeling every movement and letting it tell a story. The music guides me, the rhythm inspires me and the process of perfecting each move challenges me. Dance has taught me discipline, resilience and how to channel my emotions into something beautiful. It’s a language that speaks to everyone, and through it, I’ve found my own voice.”

When she’s not in her dance shoes, Shiloh finds time out in nature, on the beach, with her dogs, jumping on the trampoline, reading and drawing.

“I have a small circle of friends outside of dance who mean the world to me, but most of my friends are from dancing. We share the same goals, love for the art and the joy of achieving milestones together.”

Her advice for younger dancers is to believe in the power of your dreams.

“It’s through hard work, dedication and always striving to learn more, that you will grow – both as a dancer and as a person. Keep pushing, stay positive and never stop believing in yourself.”

Follow Shiloh on social media: @shiloh_dance7

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