Local dancer Chelsea Pietroiusti (16) is ready to take her talent to the world stage when she represents South Africa at the International Dance Organisation (IDO) Championships in Slovenia and Poland in November and December.

Chelsea earned her place in Team South Africa following an impressive performance at the national championships in Roodepoort on August 12 and 13, where she competed under the Lucia Cunningham Dance Academy.

The Reddam House Bedfordview Grade 10 learner secured second place in hip-hop formation and also won the modern contemporary sections alongside her teammates.

Her journey to the international stage included competing in two qualifiers during the year before sealing her place in the national team at the championships. Her selection also earned her coveted Protea colours on October 11.

Chelsea said the achievement reflects the dedication and countless hours she has invested in honing her craft.

“I have been working towards this for the last three years. It is really a dream come true and hopefully the first of many trips to represent my country,” she said.

She started ballet at age two and dances in contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and modern.

“This is a huge achievement. It’s a dream come true. My hours of hard work – dancing six days a week in various genres – have paid off.”

Chelsea will now showcase her skills against international competition at the global showpiece, joined by 22 other dancers from her academy and school.

The dancers will compete at the IDO champs in Slovenia and Poland from November 21 to December 9, with the programme covering modern and contemporary, jazz, ballet, acrobatic, show dance and performing arts improvisation.