DANCING TO HER OWN BEAT: LAYLA KYRIACOU HEADS TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Val de Vie Estate is home to many remarkable individuals, but few embody the spirit of focus, discipline and joyful determination like 12-year-old Layla Kyriacou. A freestyle dancer with a fierce work ethic and a positive, purposeful mindset, Layla is not one to shy away from effort or expectation. She is wholly committed to giving her best on the dance floor, in her studies, and life. Her discipline and self-motivation will serve her well in competitions and throughout her life.
Layla has been invited to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Freestyle Dance Championships in Blackpool, United Kingdom, at the end of June. It’s an extraordinary achievement for a young girl who lives and trains here on the Estate.
Speaking with Layla this week, one thing became abundantly clear: dancing is not just something she does; it’s part of who she is.
Q&A with Layla Kyriacou
How old were you when you first started dancing, and what made you fall in love with it?
I tried many styles from a young age but never found the right one, until I discovered freestyle dancing here on the Estate with my teacher, Natascha Reichlin, when I was seven. I fell in love with it instantly. The music, the rhythm, the energy, it all just clicked. The beat of the music is everything to me – around 40% of my drive comes from the beats per minute alone.
Natascha competed in the World Championships, so she knows exactly what it takes. She’s more than a teacher; she understands me on every level. I needed to find her—she’s “my” teacher. She doesn’t just teach me steps and routines; she cares about who I am.
What do you enjoy most about freestyle dancing?
Definitely the music, the costumes, and the makeup. I especially love my custom-made purple and black costume for the World Championships. Purple is a dynamic colour, and we added black to make it stand out even more. As you move up levels, the music gets faster and the choreography more complex. I’m currently dancing at 180 beats per minute, and it feels part of my heartbeat.
Freestyle dancing looks very energetic! What kind of moves do you love performing most—kicks, spins, jumps?
I absolutely love jumps! They give me energy and keep me going. A great jump needs to reach my shoulder height at my level. Some jumps are about height, while others are about control and technique. A challenging one to master was the pretzel jump. It is a combination of height, twists and spinning, and then you have to land perfectly and carry on dancing without missing a beat. There is no room for hesitation or landing on your face.
How often do you train each week, and what’s your favourite part of training?
During a typical week, I train for about five hours. When preparing for competitions, the hours easily double, and I’ll train any day, even weekends, as I love it. I’m always trying until I get it perfectly right. I set my own targets, and I’m a tough taskmaster on myself. Discipline in dancing is key. I’m always chasing improvement, always trying to be better than I was yesterday.
Do you have a favourite song or music you like to dance to?
My heart is happy at 180 beats! That tempo lives in me; it is part of who I am. The DJ chooses the tracks in competitions, and you have to listen carefully for your number. If you miss it, you’re out—there are no second chances. The show goes on whether you’re ready or not.
What does a typical competition day look like for you? Do you have fun routines or things you always do for good luck?
I usually wake up around 07:00 and enjoy tea in bed. Now that I’m older, I love having a slow, calm start. Hair and makeup take about an hour and a half, and I put on my costume last. As there’s no time to change between routines, my makeup has to match all my costumes for the day.
By the time I arrive, I know I’ve done the work. I don’t rely on luck, I rely on the muscle memory I’ve built from hours of practice. I’ve learnt how important mindset is. I need to feel completely comfortable in my costume and look because it shows in my confidence.
Everything matters. From the moment I leave my chair and walk onto the floor, I have to be in top form. The judges watch everything from how you enter, how you perform, your facial expressions, how you finish, and even how you walk off afterwards. It’s all part of the performance, and it all counts.
Have there been moments when dancing felt really tough? What helped you keep going?
Absolutely. Last year was difficult for many reasons. Before the SA Championships, I wondered whether it might be my last competition. Then in December, I learned I had qualified for the World Championships, which changed everything.
The SA Championships were hard, but having Natascha with me meant my whole team was together again. It reminded me why I love dancing and why I keep pushing forward. If beginner-me could see me now, she would be really proud.
What have you learnt about yourself through dancing and competing?
I’ve learnt that I’m competitive and push myself to improve. Even when I doubt myself or feel tired, I know I still have more to give. Once I commit, I’m a fast learner. I also show up when nobody else does, which I’m proud of. I’m managing dancing and school, which is also really important. My family has a saying: “When you have this extraordinary life, you need to do extraordinary things.”
Who are your dance role models or biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters are my dance team – my mom, Natascha, and I – and my family. It’s a team effort in every way. When I do well, we all do well. I also rely on technology and community support; everything works together to help me succeed.
How did it feel when you found out you were invited to the World Championships?
It came at the perfect time. I had been thinking about whether to continue dancing, and then I received the invitation, which gave me new motivation. This will be my first World Championships, and there’s no pressure to win. I want to learn, perform, and gain experience.
But I know what’s expected. In South Africa, there are six judges. At Worlds, there will be 60. I have only 30 seconds to impress all 60 of them. Everything counts, from how I walk onto the floor to how I leave it. I can’t freeze, I can’t slow down. You have to be on your game from start to finish.
What are you most looking forward to about the trip to Blackpool?
I’m really excited to see how big the floor is! My studio isn’t very big, so this will be a fantastic experience. I’ll be travelling with the South African team and my support team. My family and teacher Natascha will be there too. I can’t wait.
When you’re not dancing, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Honestly? I’m always dancing. From singles to doubles to triples, from the kitchen while my mom is cooking to the ski slopes, I dance everywhere. The music is always playing in my head.
What advice would you give to other children who dream of doing something big one day?
When it gets hard, keep going. You will realise it was the best decision. Push through. My advice is: “You don’t quit on your lowest day; you quit when you are at the top of your game.”
If you could describe how dancing makes you feel in just three words, what would they be?
There are so many emotions when I compete. But the three words we use at my studio are: “Strong. Brave. Confident”.
Even if I stop dancing one day, it will always be part of who I am.
On behalf of the entire Val de Vie Estate community, we wish Layla the best as she heads to Blackpool. May this be a joyful experience filled with memories made alongside her South African teammates, her dance team, and her family. We are proud to cheer her on as she takes this bold step onto the international stage. Go shine, Layla – you’ve already made us proud.