Jessica Turpin from Knysna Claimed Double Gold at SACOPA
Oakhill School’s Jessica Turpin recently claimed double gold at the South African Championships of Performing Arts (SACOPA) national competition in Rustenburg. She took top spots in both the photographic and contemporary dance categories. Alongside these achievements, she secured a silver and two bronze medals in jazz and ballet dance.
With this impressive lineup of accolades, Jessica has been chosen to represent South Africa in Los Angeles next July at the World Championships of Performing Arts, where she’ll compete on an international stage as one of the country’s promising young talents.
A Platform for Growth
The SACOPA competition, open to emerging and seasoned artists alike, brings together talent from across the nation, spotlighting performers in acting, dance, instrumental music, modeling, and vocals.
Discovering Her Passion
Jessica’s interest in modeling began just two years ago after a dance teacher saw her potential, but her real love has always been dance. “Dancing is like the air I breathe; I can’t get through a day without it,” she expressed. She particularly enjoys breakdancing, which challenges her and allows for a unique form of self-expression.
When asked about her future, Jessica mentioned she’s considering a career in dance alongside physiotherapy to deepen her understanding of the body’s movement and anatomy.
Family Pride
Her mother, Charlene Turpin, proudly shared, “Jessica is a true go-getter, filling her days with activities and getting along with everyone she meets. We are so proud of her talent and kindness, and as her parents, we’re dedicated to supporting her every step of the way.”
Fundraising for a Dream
To support Jessica’s upcoming trip to Los Angeles, the Turpin family plans to host fundraising events starting in January, helping make her international performance dreams a reality.