PALLANCE Doja Dladla is only 18 years old, but he is already making waves in the world of arts as a dancer and actor.

Dladla is a first-year drama student at the University of the Witwatersrand's Drama School.

The teen is fast increasing his foothold on the arts scene - winning awards, appearing on TV commercials and is ready to make an impression in the US, come June.

Dladla, who has been doing TV commercials since the age of seven, has reached the finals of the Figures Modelling Agency, which will take place in the country on May 8. He has been selected after winning the regional finals of the competition.

Whether he wins or not in the finals on May 8 is not an issue. By being selected to the finals, he has already booked his place to compete with the best in the world at the International Models and Talent Association that will be held in the US in June.

"At the US competition, we will be competing with the best in the world, and we will be performing in front of casting agencies.

"And if one does well, you stand a chance of winning scholarships to further your education in the arts," said the former Parktown Boys High student.

The only problem he has right now is that he does not have the airfare to the US, which he says is about R40000. "I badly need a sponsor to achieve my dream of making it internationally, and possibly win a scholarship to further my studies in arts.

"I have always loved the arts, having danced and acted in several youth organisations. I can write scripts as well as direct," said the teen, who was born in Orlando East, Soweto.