East London dancer Lionel “Smoke” Constable is dancing his way to the top after being selected as one of 16 young men from around the country who will compete in the annual Red Bull BC One Cypher dance competition in Cape Town this month.
The 31-year-old Egoli dancer was chosen to represent the Eastern Cape after claiming top spot in the provincial qualifiers in March this year.
“I have tried to be a part of this competition for the past five years.
“I have entered a lot of competitions including SAs Got Talent. I want to make a career out of dancing. I want to be number one in the world.”
He will be making his first appearance in the top 16 and says he “might stand a better chance of winning this competition because I am now more experienced”.
“I do not get nervous anymore and I have danced against most of the guys who will be at the competition,” he added.
It was American dance films You Got Served and Honey that drew him to the art.
“Dancing is amazing, it’s also fitness training at the same time and anyone can do it regardless of their age or body weight. We get to travel to different cities and meet new people.
“I met one of my favourite international break dancers Bboy Neguin from Brazil in Cape Town last year.”
When he is not busy at work or playing for local soccer club Leeds FC, Constable teaches dance classes to the youth from his area.
“I teach my son how to dance as well. Dancing brings joy to all of us. It keeps us away from the negativity that is happening in our communities,” he said.
“This form of art keeps one focused and positive, when we practice we do not think about all the everyday challenges.”
He said his family were his pillar of strength.
“My brother, Ronaldo, is also a dancer and recently won the Dance to the Beat competition at the Guild Theatre. I also met the mother of my son at a dance session,” he said.
Red Bull BC One Cypher organiser and judge Vouks James said the national winner would get to represent South Africa at the international competition, which will be held in September in Switzerland...