Namibians shine on the world stage
Seven medals, two overall winners and two scholarships.Three Namibians made the country proud with their participation in the World Championships for Performing Arts in California, which is known as the unofficial Olympics for talent in the arts and in which more than 70 countries participated.
Patricia Coetzee's voice ensured gold and she was named the overall winner in both the Country Western and Rock categories. She also won a scholarship worth U$15 000 at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Pelagia Zimny won gold in the open category for dance and three bronze medals (HipHop, drama, musical theatre), while she is also awarded a scholarship worth U$15 000 at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Julian Schiebler won a bronze medal in the open category for dance.
From aspiring singers and dancers to actors participated in the international championships that were held from 28 June to 6 July in Long Beach.
According to the championship's official website, it is the only event of its kind held annually in the heart of Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world.
Participants in the competition from the more than 70 countries include not only America but also Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa and Namibia.
About U$500 000 worth of scholarships were up for grabs, while the Worldstars Bootcamp included educational seminars and workshops for participants to further hone their skills.
Several well-known and experienced experts from Hollywood, Nashville and New York acted as judges. - [email protected]