33 dancers enter national selection pool

DanceSport
Staff Reporter
  • 1 Hour Ago

Thirty-three Namibian dancers have earned eligibility to represent the country internationally after meeting the qualifying standard at the DanceSport Namibia (DSN) National Championship held in Windhoek on 17 October.

The championship attracted 45 athletes from schools and clubs across the country, competing in eight disciplines: acro, breaking, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, modern, musical and open.

Participants competed as soloists, duos, trios, small groups and a mega group, with 18 entries meeting the required qualifying standard.

According to DSN, the 33 athletes now form the national selection pool for approved international competitions during the 2026-27 season. Those eventually selected to represent Namibia will be awarded national colours.


Standout performers

Among the standout performers was Windhoek Afrikaans Private School’s Alyna Swarts, who qualified in eight entries across six disciplines, including solo performances in lyrical, modern, musical and open.

Swarts also claimed the overall junior solo title, while Elyzian Breaking’s Jamie-Nicole Beukes emerged victorious in the overall senior solo section.

In the group categories, H2E Dance Company’s Mega Crew won the overall junior title, while the Elyzian Breaking trio claimed the senior group honours.

The championship featured athletes from several Windhoek schools, including Windhoek Gymnasium, Windhoek High School, Windhoek International School, St Paul’s College and Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek, alongside participants from other schools, academies and dance clubs.


International prospects

DSN president Leah Gaeses welcomed the results, acknowledging the role played by coaches, parents and schools in supporting the athletes.

“These results belong to our athletes, and to the coaches, parents and schools who stand behind them,” she said.

“Every one of these dancers has worked hard to earn the chance to wear Namibia’s colours, and we look forward to watching them carry our flag onto the international stage.”

The championship was adjudicated by South Africa’s World DanceSport Federation-licensed international hip hop adjudicator Mandy Bullock and Namibia’s Laura Obbes, who earned national colours in 2022.

Their assessments determined which performances met the qualifying standard for international selection.

The association said the championship provided another opportunity for local dancers to work towards representing the country at international competitions.

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