REMEMBERING MICHELLE THOMAS of S A 80s

[Nat Quinn]

Perhaps one of the worst tragedies to occur in South Africa prior to the collapse of civilised rule in the country was the terrible fate which befell Michelle Thomas. Michelle Thomas was from Durban, and was a popular personality on the Durban club scene, where her superb disco dancing talents did not go unrecognised.

She was given a contract by the Southern Sun Group as a professional dancer, and in 1981 entered the South African Disco Dancing Championship whereat she was victorious, and even though only being 18 at the time thereby became South Africa’s official entry for the World Disco Dancing Championships (one of the few competitions where South Africa was not subject to international leftist-orchestrated sanctions at the time!). The finals of this competition were held at the prestigious Empire Ballroom in Leicester Square, London, and Michelle’s brilliant gymnastic dancing performance resulted in her winning the Singles category, even though, like most of the competitors, she faced a very hostile reception from the biased fans of other competitors!

This victory of course catapulted Michelle to fame in South Africa, and she took up a position as a resident dancer at the Wild Coast Casino as a result. It was here where this present writer was most privileged to see her perform, not only her individual act in a burlesque stage show, but also a spectacular outdoors performance by the pool’s edge. The dexterity of her movements were mesmerising and a wonder to behold.

Michelle Thomas was evidently in a relationship with a serving SAP officer at the time, he also being a highly-talented disco dancer, who indeed represented South Africa at the World Disco Dancing Championship the year after Michelle’s triumph – though without the same success. Shortly afterwards, however, their relationship turned sour, and following an altercation in the Wild Coast Casino car-park Michelle’s erstwhile boyfriend shot her dead with his police service pistol – before turning the gun on himself.

This cruel end to Michelle Thomas’s life at such a young age was actually a tragedy for the whole of South Africa, as she had brought such huge enjoyment and great pride to the country. Her name and her achievement should therefore never be forgotten. A YouTube video of her victory at the 1981 World Disco Dancing Championship can be viewed at :-

https://youtu.be/0Czchi26LvU?si=V-PFYdeSquI-BSND

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