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An
interview with Michael Wentink was recently published in a South African
Dance magazine. The interview was done by Lilian Dooley.
Introduction:
Michael
and Beata were a successful partnership who represented South Africa and
became undefeated World Amateur Latin Champions and World Professional
Latin Grand Finalists.
Lilian
Dooley: Michael 10 successful
years with Beata, what
happened?
Michael
Wentink: Well it was the 10 most wonderful years of my
life.
Beata and I had great success, we became
very close, in fact she became my soul mate. As
we all know dance is about inspiration and
passion, because of our intense dedication we
found that we were growing in different directions.
The next logical step and the most difficult
decision of our dance careers was to give each
other space to grow.
LD:
How has this affected your
career?
MW:
It has taken me some time to get over it, you can’t live and
dance with someone for long time and break up and not be
affected…I miss her, and I am glad to say that we are still very
close.
LD:
Have
you both discussed the next step?
MW:
Yes we have both decided to continue our careers with new
partners!
LD:
Oh
this is interesting tell me more?
MW:
Once the news became public we were offered several very
interesting prospects of
which included rivals and finalists. My
train of thought was around new inspiration and ideas, I needed
to find someone who had the same work ethic and dedication
as me and who was unique in her own way.
LD:
So
who was she?
MW:
The lady of my choice was Tebogo Kgobokoe.
From my
previous knowledge of her she seemed to fit the mould of a
talented driven competitor.
LD:
Wow,
how did she react to the news?
MW:
Well, Rosebank Mall has still not recovered!
No seriously, she
was very excited, because as you all know she is highly
motivated and talented. I moved to South Africa and we started
work immediately.
LD:
How
was the news received internationally?
MW:
We had such a positive response, people knew they were going
to see something different. We
had so many bookings coming
in before taking a step on the floor.
There was a definite
buzz…..we even placed a stunning ad in the Blackpool
programme, which caused quite a stir.
LD:
Was
it not tempting as a World finalist and former World Champion to choose
a lady already in the top six?
MW:
Yes it is on the basis of a result.
But when one is considering a
long term career with a goal of a World Championship title,
famous names should not be the be all and end all. It is about
more than that….it is about fresh passion and drive. The dance
world is ready for something new and I felt that our combination
would deliver and be outstandingly successful.
LD:
So
how did it all go?
MW:
The first booking was in Indonesia and worked really hard to get
the concepts of the shows, costumes etc together.
I was really
proud because my sponsors were so confident that they came
on board to support us with costumes and shoes etc.
Without
even being seen we were booked ahead of other couples for the
Super Stars in Japan, a real honour.
The show in Indonesia
went well, we understood what needed to be done for the next
big challenge of two shows in Australia, in front of a major
dancing crowd.
LD:
How
was Australia?
MW:
The crowd went mad! We received standing ovations and rave
reviews from some of the most highly respected trainers in the
profession….we were treated like superstars and Tebogo got
her first taste of a champions lifestyle!
LD:
What
happened next?
MW:
Well sadly she discovered that she is not cut out for the
competitive world and that the stress was too much for her.
LD:
Was
it that stressful?
MW:
Well like any top sportsman would know, to deliver high quality
at the top of the game requires extreme dedication.
Which
means along with all the highs one has to accept that there are
also lows and sacrifices to be made.
It means hours and hours
of practice, body conditioning, analysing, technical and stamina
training and so on. This is just
the physical side, not to mention
the look and concept behind the team. As a world finalist
people have such a great expectation, especially of a new
partnership. It takes great
mental strength and capacity to
survive, not just good dancing.
Actually Tebogo and I got along very well in the studio and
worked well together. We had lots
of fun, worked extremely hard
but sadly she felt that this was not for her.
I respect her
decision because she was not afraid to admit that the task was
mammoth. Very few people get a
chance to see what it is like at
the top.
For me I am so accustomed to the lifestyle and the challenges
fuel my energy and soul….I live for dance and I am prepared to do
what it takes. I have sacrificed so much over the years and
enjoyed so much success…..and to tell you the truth I can’t wait
to get on the floor again.
LD:
So
who is the lucky lady?
MW:
Hee hee….well I never
kiss and tell. I am
currently trying out
with three amazing “Ladies of Latin”, all with their own unique
style, high technical quality and exceptional determination.
Soon to be revealed!
LD:
Will you be living in
South Africa?
MW:
I will as always be travelling a lot….I am committed and will do
what it takes.
LD:
Will you represent South
Africa?
MW:
Yes, I love South Africa, it is my birth place and I would feel
proud to represent her again!
LD:
You are looking fabulous,
what is the secret?
MW:
Well I am so happy to be home and I think I have found what I
am looking for on a personal note and I am excited for the
future.
LD:
What guidance can you
give young dancers?
MW:
All I can say is that it is hard work, but the rewards are great if
you are dedicated and are determined.
- The End -
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