My Matric Dance Experience

On the windy evening of September 22nd, my Matric Farewell took place.

I arrived with my dashing partner, Riyago - my maroon two-piece pantsuit and his all-black mesh look.

Arriving at the scene, their family and friends crowded waiting on the Matrics of 2022 to walk the red carpet to their final school dance.

Unfamiliar? The matric dance is South Africa’s take on prom.

In the last few weeks, my life has been completely taken over by the one and only Matric Farewell.

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Most importantly, I had to sort out what I was going to wear. I visited the Canal Walk shopping center hoping to find my dream dress. The first shop I visited had a small variety and lacked the quality I was looking for.

I ventured to another dress shop, Bride and Co, which typically specialises in bridal wear - the first shop parallel with an enormous variety of dresses and far better quality. Helped by an accommodating assistant, I tried on several dresses in a diverse range of colours. The dresses were lovely and fit beautifully but the dress itself didn’t feel like me.

It was through my sister-in-law that I came in contact with an excellent designer, Christopher Gerber. Chris designed both my sisters-in-law’s matric dance and wedding dress!

After chatting with him we agreed to meet the following Saturday morning.

I shared photos of dresses I like and ideas I had of what I would feel more

comfortable wearing. We decided on a two-piece “jumpsuit” in a wine-red colour. I went on to meet with him for a few Saturday mornings as he flawlessly pieced together my dream look.

Chris ended up designing both Riyago and I's outfits.

I would highly recommend Chris for a custom-designed dress, suit and more. Contact him at +27 76 048 8109 or click this link to view his website.

What is a good look without hair and makeup? Incomplete.

I was initially keen on the idea of having my hair and makeup professionally done. I was drawn to the idea of doing it myself as it would allow me the control of deciding how I would look. I concluded by doing my own hair and makeup.

My room shone with an ambience of pink as the sun was setting. My partner and I were spending time together and he noted how my hair has a matching pink glow – this is when it clicked.

I should dye my hair!

Shortly after, I waddled my way to the shops and bought a pack of hair dye.

Following the instructions, I applied the mixture to my hair, left it in for 30 minutes, and rinsed. This was the first time I dyed my hair, so this was an exciting experience.

For the dance itself, I went with a simple yet effective look.

I curled my hair and drowned myself in hair spray.

Some products I used for my makeup include:

Each product can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

• Estee Lauder’s Futurist Hydra rescue moisturising makeup in shade 2C3 Fresco

• Essence’s Skin Loving Sensitive Concealer in shade 10 light

• Maybelline’s Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

• Yardley London’s 3-in-1 makeup setting spray

There are of course also nails. I knew that I wanted to get my nails done by a nail tech. A helpful friend suggested a nail artist by the name of Robyn.

If interested in her work, see @nails_by_robynn on Instagram.

Once all of these admin tasks were arranged, all that was left was showing up.

The initial shock of the crowd settled quickly. I walked the way with Riyago's hand in mine. Just as we were about to enter the venue, a photographer stopped us in our place, snapped a few shots and we continued on our way.

The beautiful hall of Eengezind Function Venue was decorated according to the theme A Night At The Casino. Playing cards, Poker Chips and fake money were scattered across tables.

There was plenty of dancing, chats and photos taken.

I had a blast of a time - ending the night with an after-party, arranged by a peer, Tayla Esau.

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Special thanks to...

• My partner, Riyago Maartens for being a supportive and loving date. (@sincerely_riyago)

• My brother, Patrick for sharing this special night with me. (@vdv_patrick and patrickvdv.com)

• My parents, for supporting me through my 12 years of school and humbly opening up their pockets for this night.

• My sister-in-law, for contributing to the payment of the outfit.

• The designer, Chris for the gorgeous outfits.

• The Nail Tech, Robyn for my purring nails.

• The photographers, Be photography for the print-worthy photos.

• And to the class of '22 - we are a special grade filled with wonderful young people.