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South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Five Gwent dancers to perform in English Youth Ballet
Chepstow, Pontypool, and Caldicot residents Freya Downie, 10, Cara Morris, 11, Elizabeth Jepson, 15, Gracie Bates, 10, and Kara Lewis, 9, were selected in May to join the elite cast of 75 for the production of Coppélia after highly competitive auditions. The young dancers are currently immersed in rehearsals, experiencing the life of a professional dancer as they refine their skills for the forthcoming performance. The event is set to take place at The Playhouse Theatre in Weston from August 15-16, where they will share the stage with internationally acclaimed professional dancers. Elizabeth Jepson from Pontypool, who trains at Appleby Dance, said: "My mum took me to my first ballet class when I was 4 years old because she thought I would enjoy it, and I did! "I have danced ever since. "I love performing on stage, I even represented Wales at the Dance World Cup in Prague last year which was an amazing experience. "Having the opportunity to train under EYB's teachers is so valuable because I learn something new every time. "I am really excited to perform in my first full production as a ballerina in Coppélia." EYB's principal, Ann Wall, who will be playing Swanhilda in the production, said: "Teaching the young dancers is incredibly rewarding as I get to see them learn new steps and grow in confidence. "It is magical to see how they progress and blossom on stage and it brings me great joy to dance alongside them."
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
South Africa Leaps to Global Glory: K&J Dance Reigns Supreme at the World Dance Cup in Spain
'Da Future' dance group from South Africa were among the gold medalists at the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied South African dancers made history recently, returning from the 2025 Dance World Cup in Spain as overall World Champions in the Junior and Senior Hip Hop Divisions. Marking a new chapter for South African Dancing talent with Cape Town's very own K&J Dance Unlimited Studio, leading the way in this commendable show of talent, dedication, and hard work. Often called the 'Olympics of Dance', this year's competition, held in Burgos, Spain, was unlike any other for the South African national dance team as they proudly established themselves among the world's best. Peyton Witten en route to the Dance World Cup in Burgos Spain. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading At the heart of this success story is Peyton Witten, one of the many talented young dancers from K&J Dance Unlimited Studio in Cape Town. At just 16, Peyton was part of the gold medal-winning group that impressed the judges the most. She's been dancing since she was just three years old. As Peyton and her family explored Spain's vibrant streets, I had the pleasure of speaking to Peyton and her parents Carl and Clarissa against the backdrop of the ancient Leon Cathedral. While embracing such a rich culture, vibrantly different from South Africa, Peyton expressed how it ignited her passion for this year's World Champs from "dancing in the street with little German girls, and Spanish, to talking to other people from countries like Ireland". "It was so memorable and amazing," Peyton shared, reflecting on her time soaking up the local atmosphere away from the big stage. Peyton speaks of the supportive atmosphere among all competitors, one that evoked "no animosity, no one was nasty... everyone was so passionate about their country, and South Africa, like, just came together, and everyone was so passionate, and yeah, it was beautiful," she said. Individually, Peyton earned an impressive 10th place worldwide in the tough Junior Commercial Solo (Hip-Hop) category. 'Da Future' celebrating their gold medal win on stage at the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied 'Da Future' Legacy Peyton, as part of Senior Large Group, the "Da Future" team, took home the Gold medal, becoming World Champions. This win brought shouts of joy and tears for both Peyton, her family, and the entire South African team on stage. For Peyton and her team, this victory was "amazing". "It truly was, it felt surreal. It didn't feel real because it's such a huge accomplishment. It's insane that we could do that," Peyton recounted, still marvelling at the victory with "so much gratitude, so much love... it was an amazing feeling, truly to feel on top of the world." This victory also came with a significant 3,000 euro prize for the team, and a special invite to the prestigious Gala Grand Finals, cementing South Africa's place as a potent force in the world of international dance. Peyton described the invitation as "really special". "It meant a lot. Since it's such a prestigious event, it's like you worked so hard, and now you're being invited to something for all of your hard work, and being acknowledged globally, which is so amazing." Peyton spoke about her team's approach before their performances, particularly for Da Future's performance. Recalling this experience, Peyton describes the pre-ritual for the group reflectively, as they "went aside and just warmed up. I just led a little unwinding thing, and then we were warming up, then we were going around saying our corrections," she explained. "Then we ran the dance a few, like two times and then we played the music and sat and practiced it, like all together but with no speaking, we just sat down and practiced and then we physically practiced; and then we meditate and go into the right headspace for a few minutes." The South African dancers representing the country at the Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. Image: Supplied Going for Gold For Peyton, maintaining her focus also involved faith and self-belief: "I just get into the right headspace; I'm here, I have got to do this, I get to do this. I work on my breathing, and then I pray for a nice chunk of time, reminding myself that God's with me." Reflecting on the balance between intense competition and enjoying the experience, Peyton felt it was a natural fit. "I mean, I was nervous – I mean, we all were – but we've been working so hard, we knew what we were doing, so I didn't think there was much anxiety towards remembering the dance," she recalled. "I was very much able to balance everything." The most challenging aspect for Peyton was her nerves, she admitted. Yet, the key lesson she took away was empowering: "You can, you can do it. I never would have imagined I'd be here, but here I am, and I believed it, and I did it. Peyton Witten with her family after bringing home the gold from the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied "If you set your mind to it, if you work hard, it's, you sacrifice things... with these trials come triumphs, and yeah, no, it's worth it in the end.. it's all worth it." This historic win was more than just dancing at a competition. Showcased on the international stage, with a never-say-die mentality and a support system fostered in the right environment, these athletes are among the best in the world. Da Future performing in the finals of the Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. Image: Supplied With love from Spain Peyton speaks with passion about how the studio's impact on her overall attitude towards dance: "K&J, it's like a family, it truly is like a home. I think I'm 100% myself when I'm at the studio. I feel like I can be authentic, like I can be myself without being judged." Peyton continues to mention how Jackie Gomes, owner of K&J Dance Unlimited, is a "huge part of my life". "She's just like a mother to me, and she truly knows me so well. I owe everything to her, as well as my choreographers. It's not just shaped me as a dancer, but as a person too. Dance has taught me discipline, it's taught me the sense of family, and love." 'Supreme' dance group from K&J Dance Unlimited Studio in Cape Town, came first among 21 other competitors to bring home the gold medal for South Africa at the World Dance Championships in Spain recently. Image: Supplied K&J Dance Unlimited's Achievements at the 2025 Dance World Cup Gold 1st Place - World Champions: Da-Future - Senior Commercial Large Group Supreme - Senior Commercial Small Group Silver 2nd Place - World Champions: Ultimate - Junior Commercial Large Group Bronze 3rd Place - World Champions: Solidity - Senior Street Dance Small Group 4th Place: Validity - Junior Commercial Small Group 5th Place: Copius - Junior Commercial Small Group Exonerate - Junior Contemporary Small Group 6th Place: Cosmic - Children Commercial Small Group Effeminacy - Senior Commercial Small Group Hi Ren - Senior Showstopper Small Group Ten teams from K&J Dance Unlimited placed in the Top Six throughout the entire competition. This achievement is a testament to Jackie's mentality, along with her team of choreographers, and the studio's approach to their love for dance as seen at this year's Dance World Cup, Burgos, Spain. IOL
eNCA
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
World champs dance home in golden glory
JOHANNESBURG - Well, talk about bringing home the gold! The Mario Gomes Hip Hop Dance Academy absolutely crushed it at the Dance World Cup. READ | Amapiano has the world dancing They landed back home Monday morning, fresh off their first place win in the overall street dance. They snagged over 22 gold medals, practically outshining the Spanish sun itself! They truly made the global stage their own. eNCA reporter Theodor Mashele filed this report.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabahan wins silver in World Ballet Competition
Ivana (right) the first Malaysian to place top two in Ballet Solo at global Dance World Cup finals in Spain. KOTA KINABALU (July 9): Ivana Iman Mohammad Ezral has etched her name in history as the first Malaysian to secure second place in the Ballet Soloist category at the Dance World Cup 2025 finals — one of the most prestigious youth dance competitions on the planet. Representing Malaysia on the grand stage in Burgos, Spain, the 10-year-old Sabahan stood shoulder to shoulder with elite dancers from powerhouse nations like Russia, Germany, Romania , Bulgaria, China and the United Kingdom — delivering a flawless, emotionally resonant performance that earned her a silver medal from the global esteemed judging panel. 'This is more than just a personal win — it's a national milestone,' said one judge. 'To see such poise, technical excellence, and storytelling at her age, from a country not historically known for classical ballet, is nothing short of extraordinary.' The Dance World Cup, often referred to as the Olympics of youth dance, sees over 120,000 dancers from more than 70 countries competing through rigorous qualifiers — with only the top dancers advancing to the finals. In the realm of Classical Ballet Solo, it remains one of the most competitive categories, judged by former principal dancers and internationally renowned choreographers. Ivana's achievement represents a breakthrough for Malaysia in global performing arts, and positions her as a rising figure in the international ballet scene. Trained under the guidance of Ballet by Nora, her journey is being celebrated nationwide as a symbol of what discipline, talent, and vision can achieve — regardless of borders. 'This is the beginning,' her family said. 'Ivana didn't just dance; she inspired a nation.'
The South African
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South Africa win gold at Dance World Cup
In another moment of national pride and global recognition, South Africa clinched the gold medal in the Senior Dance Group – Street Dance category at the 2025 Dance World Cup, held in Spain. This prestigious international competition draws top dance talent from over 60 countries, but it was South Africa's dynamic energy, flawless choreography, and cultural flair that lit up the stage and earned them top honours. More than just a medal win, this triumph is a celebration of dedication, diversity, and artistic excellence. Representing a wide array of dance schools and backgrounds, the South African dancers poured their hearts into every performance, embodying both technical brilliance and emotional depth. A viral TikTok video shared by @ gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at Team SA's journey. @ #fyp #viral #danceworldcup #MGHHDA ♬ South Africa Anthem (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika) – National Anthems Orchestra The team wowed audiences not only in street dance, but also across a range of categories including contemporary, hip-hop, and traditional dance, showcasing their versatility and storytelling ability. The performances sent a clear message: South Africa is home to young, passionate dancers with an unwavering love for the craft and deep pride in their roots. Social media erupted with admiration, as users praised the team's authenticity, unity, and cultural expression. The dancers' confident moves and expressive faces struck a chord with viewers, igniting a wave of national pride. The Dance World Cup is more than a competition – it's a global celebration of culture and artistry. And this year, South Africa didn't just participate; they stole the show. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
