South Cape Arts Festival dance division reaches new heights

GEORGE NEWS - The 2026 South Cape Arts Festival's Dance division concluded on a high note this past weekend, with organisers celebrating what has been described as the festival's most polished and professionally executed dance programme to date.

Now in its third year, the dance division drew talented performers from across the Southern Cape, who competed in a wide variety of genres, including ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, jazz, tap, Spanish and multicultural dance.

Audiences were treated to several days of exceptional performances that highlighted the depth of young dance talent in the region.

A key contributor to the division's success was Dance Director Abbi Geldenhuys of the George Foundation of the Arts. “Her meticulous planning and steady leadership ensured the programme ran smoothly from beginning to end, with solo performances and large group items flowing seamlessly throughout the competition,” said festival founder, Jan-Erik Swart.

The festival was adjudicated by the dance professional Beverly Aquisto, who commended participants for their technical ability, artistic expression and commitment to their craft. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, making the selection of winners no easy task.

Swart said the continued growth of the festival reflects the dedication of its directors, adjudicators, teachers and performers.

Together with fellow directors Abbi Geldenhuys (Dance), Quintin van Biljon (Drama) and Tania Els (Visual Art), plans are already underway to establish a Centre of the Arts.

The initiative aims to provide young artists with opportunities to further develop their talents and prepare for tertiary studies and careers in the creative arts.

While the dance division has now concluded, the festival continues with its Visual Art section, which will be presented at the Hoogekraal Educational Trust. - Compiled by Michelle Pienaar

2026 South Cape Arts Festival Dance Division Winners

Best Senior Ballet Group: Haevn, Abbi Geldenhuys Academy of Ballet
Best Junior Ballet DTQ: The Portrait Painter, Carmen's School of Dance
Best Senior Ballet DTQ: Puppets on a String, Carmen's School of Dance
Best Junior Modern/Contemporary Group: Rise, Studio Eunika
Best Senior Modern/Contemporary Group: Whispers in Silence, Carmen's School of Dance
Best Senior Modern/Contemporary DTQ: Breathe, Steps Dance
Best Hip-Hop: Stef Meyer, Bernise Sylvius
Most Inspiring Group: Requiem, Abbi Geldenhuys Academy of Ballet
Best Choreography: Hannah McComb
Top National Performance: Greek, Mikayla van Rooyen
Best Spanish Performance: Bamboleo, Marlise's School of Spanish Dance
Best Tap Performance: Another Day of Sun, Steps Dance
Best Junior Improvisation:Taylin Petersen
Best Senior Improvisation: Amèlie Raubenheimer
Best Junior Student Choreography: Sugar Plum Fairy, Serena Neethling
Best Senior Student Choreography: Purple Rain, Amèlie Raubenheimer
Most Promising Male Dancer: Jaden Morton
Most Promising Junior Performer: Princess Lukubeni
Most Promising Senior Performer: Bluebird, Jessica Bührs
Top Junior All Round Dancer: Jaden Morton
Top Senior All Round Dancer: Amèlie Raubenheimer
Top Junior Modern/Contemporary Dancer: Storm du Toit
Top Senior Modern/Contemporary Dancer: Amèlie Raubenheimer
Top Junior Ballet Dancer: Elizabeth Pomeroy-Ward
Top Senior Ballet Dancer: Asha North
Rising Star Award: Jessica Bührs
Ballet Championship: Asha North