A group of teenagers from Brandvlei in the Northern Cape are kicking up a lot of dust as they prepare for the ATKV Riel dance competitions. Their win in 2018 has brought hope to their communities.
They are called the Brandvlei Stofskoppers and that’s exactly what they do.
The Brandvlei Stofskoppers performing at the annual Khai-Ma Nama festival at Pella in the Northern Cape. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/IgAXkO2D1I
— Reginald (@WitbooiReggie) September 29, 2018
The ancient traditional dance of the Nama people is now a national sport and they are the champions.
“It still feels so unreal that we are the champions. We never thought we would be the champions one day but we worked hard for it. I don’t want to lose the trophy this year, I want to stay with us,” says Luwandri Schrader from Brandvlei Stofskopper.
“It’s a lot of training and you have to put in the hard work. It’s very tiring but to do the Riel dance is something extraordinary,” says Lujean Olivier from Brandvlei Stofskopper.
“You’re wasting your shoes, it’s a lot of hard work, training… sometimes your legs just doesn’t want to anymore. But it is nice,” says Bradley Loubser from Brandvlei Stofskopper.
Regional competitions continue through the year, with the nationals taking place in December.
The success of the Brandvlei Stopskoppers has brought hope around the Northern Cape. Riel dance groups are being established in almost every small town.
They are also working hard hoping to take the trophy this year.
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