Mitchells Plain, Cape Town — Xiniah Lewin, a 10-year-old competitive hip-hop dancer from Mitchells Plain, is preparing to represent South Africa at an international dance competition in New York next March. This is a milestone shaped by perseverance, family support, and a journey through early challenges that once limited her ability to thrive at school.
Despite earlier challenges with her eyesight, dance became the space where Xiniah felt focused, capable, and in control. Shortly after her 10th birthday in January, Xiniah earned her place on the international stage.
To help make the opportunity possible, Xiniah’s mother, single parent Chantal Lewin, has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for travel, accommodation, and competition-related costs.
“This opportunity means the world to her,” Chantal says. “It’s not just about a competition, it’s about recognising her effort and giving her the chance to stand confidently in who she is.”
Finding her Rhythm
During her early school years, Xiniah experienced persistent learning challenges that were not immediately understood. While her twin sister progressed with ease, Xiniah struggled in ways that gradually affected her confidence.
“It was heartbreaking to watch,” her mother recalls. “She was trying just as hard, but without the support she needed, she began to believe she wasn’t good enough.”
The turning point came when Xiniah’s eyesight difficulties were identified and corrected.
“Once she got her lenses, it was like everything changed overnight,” Chantal says. “Her confidence came back, and she finally started to see herself the way I always saw her.”
With that clarity, dance became more than an activity — it became a place of safety and self-expression. Xiniah began dancing at First Step Dance School last year, where her natural rhythm and work ethic quickly stood out.
“When she dances, the world stops feeling overwhelming,” her mother explains. “On that floor, she isn’t defined by struggle. She’s focused, strong, and completely in control.”
Strength Built Through Support
Raised by her mother during a period when her father was absent due to substance dependency, and who is now in recovery by the grace of God, Xiniah learned resilience early on — a quality that now defines her presence on stage.
“She dances with purpose,” Chantal says. “Not for attention, but because it’s how she claims her space in the world.”
That determination was recognised when Xiniah was selected to represent South Africa in New York, a moment her mother describes as deeply emotional.
“I felt an overwhelming sense of pride,” she says. “It was like all the difficult moments finally made sense. I realised those years weren’t wasted, they were preparing her for this.”
The Financial Reality Behind the Dream
While the opportunity is significant, the financial demands remain substantial. The BackaBuddy campaign has set a target of R120 000 to cover Xiniah’s primary costs. To date, over R7 000 has been raised with support from four donors.
In reality, the total cost of the journey is closer to R195 000, as Chantal must also fund her own travel to ensure her daughter’s safety.
“As a single mom, the financial weight is heavy,” she says. “I’ll cut every comfort if it means being there for her. My only priority is standing by her side.”
She adds that her greatest fear is not Xiniah’s performance, but the possibility that finances could limit the opportunity.
“She has already done the hard work,” Chantal says. “I don’t want money to be the thing that stops her now.”
Why Community Support Matters
For the Lewin family, the campaign represents a belief that potential should not be limited by circumstance.
“I reached out because I refuse to let her story end in doubt,” Chantal says. “This isn’t just a trip — it’s about showing her that she belongs and that people believe in her.”
“Every person who supports her is reminding her that the world can be kind,” Chantal adds. “And that she is capable of more than she ever imagined.”
To support Xihian, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-xiniah-shine-in-new-york