While the nation’s top dancers prepare to compete in Scotland, organisers are already looking ahead to hosting the prestigious event on home soil in 2027.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 July 2026) – With just days to go before Team South Africa departs for the 2026 World Lyrical Dance Championships in Dundee, Scotland, excitement is building among the country’s top young dancers as they prepare to represent the nation on the international stage.
Leading the team is Mary Joanna, the World Lyrical Dance Federation (WLDF) licence holder for both South Africa and Africa, who oversees the federation’s local qualifying competitions and will serve as Team South Africa’s captain throughout the championships.
Joanna explained that dancers from across the country earn their place through provincial qualifying events, with the top performers selected to wear the South African colours at the world championships.
“I’m actually very proud of them,” she said. “We’ve got quite a strong team, and we do actually very well at World Championships when we go overseas.”
With departure day approaching, she described the atmosphere within the squad as a mixture of anticipation and nerves.
“There’s a lot of excitement,” Joanna said. “They’ve received their South African kit, we’ve shared photos and videos on social media, and while they’re very excited and very nervous, on the whole they can’t wait to leave.”
After arriving in the United Kingdom, the team will travel by train to Dundee before beginning the qualifying rounds, where dancers will compete against representatives from countries around the world for a place in the championship finals.
Although the level of competition is high, Joanna is confident in what Team South Africa brings to the stage.
“Our choreography is totally different, and our technique is very strong as well, so we do stand quite proudly among the other dancers that are competing.”
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“The camaraderie is something else. They get to make friends, and it’s an experience of a lifetime for them.”
The team features dancers between the ages of 10 and 18, ranging from Level 2 competitors to advanced performers. Joanna believes the depth of talent gives South Africa every reason to be optimistic.
“I want them to take the experience with them, enjoy every moment and learn from it,” she said. “There are opportunities that can open for them, especially for those who want to pursue a career in dance.”
She explained that WLDF South Africa’s mission is to develop dancers not only technically, but also emotionally and artistically, while supporting them throughout their journey.
Beyond this year’s championships, Joanna is celebrating another milestone for the federation. After several years of planning and perseverance, South Africa has secured the rights to host the World Lyrical Dance Championships for the first time in 2027.
The event will be staged at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City and will expand to include contemporary and ballet alongside lyrical, jazz and acrobatics.
“It took me four years to get it right,” Joanna said. “Through a lot of perseverance and marketing, it’s actually happening.”
As Team South Africa heads to Scotland, Joanna’s message to the dancers is to experience every moment to the fullest.
“Whatever the outcome is, they must breathe it in and take the experience home with them. Standing on an international stage holding the South African flag is something they’ll never forget.”
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