14-Year-Old Acrobatic Prodigy Takes SA to the World Stage

Monique Smith, a 14-year-old acrobatic dancer from Pretoria, has been making waves on the international dance circuit, culminating in her recent participation at the IDO Acrobatic World Championships in Poland. Representing South Africa alongside five other talented young dancers, Monique’s performance solidified her status as a global standout in the competitive world of acrobatics.

A Rising Star from the Start
Monique’s journey into acrobatic dance began at the tender age of seven. Over the years, she has steadily climbed the ranks, earning the prestigious title of Elite Dancer—a recognition reserved for performers of exceptional skill and artistry. Her career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements that showcase her dedication and talent.

A Globetrotting Career
This isn’t Monique’s first foray into international competitions. Over the past two years, she has dazzled audiences and judges at prestigious events around the world. Highlights include:

• Winning first place in the Children’s Acrobatics category at the Dance World Cup in Prague earlier this year.
• Competing at the Dance GTB Finals in Singapore (2023) and Australia (2024).
• Taking the stage at the Dance Star event in Croatia this past May.
• Securing the title of Best Overall Junior Acrobat and Open Winner at the American Dance Award Finals in both 2023 and September 2024, where she also earned the highest score of the competition.

Poland: A Career Milestone
For Monique, the IDO Acrobatic World Championships marked a pinnacle moment, providing an opportunity to perform alongside the world’s best in her discipline. The event is a crowning achievement in a career already brimming with accolades, but for Monique, it also signifies the beginning of even greater aspirations.

Inspiring a Nation
Monique’s exceptional talent and hard work continue to inspire young South Africans. Her journey from local talent to international star is a testament to the power of determination and passion, proving that with effort and opportunity, the global stage is within reach.

As Monique looks to the future, her achievements remind us all that even the loftiest dreams can be turned into reality—one acrobatic leap at a time.

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