Megan Heads to the Disco World Championships

Photo Credit: Megan Swanepoel

The young South African dancer is preparing to compete against the world’s best after earning her place at the Disco World Championships.

Kroonstad, South Africa (07 July 2026) – From the dance studio to the world stage, Megan Swanepoel is getting ready for the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to represent South Africa at the Disco World Championships in Sweden this September.

Dance has been part of Megan’s life since she was just four years old, and it’s a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Although she only began competing in disco dancing about three to four years ago, her dedication has already earned her a place among the country’s best.

When she entered the national disco qualifiers for the first time last year, she was told not to expect too much because of the fierce competition. Instead, she surprised everyone (including herself) by qualifying to represent South Africa on the world stage.

Known for its fast pace and high-energy routines, disco dancing is no easy feat. Megan describes it as an incredibly athletic dance style that demands strength, stamina and precision, with dozens of talented dancers competing for only a handful of places in each round before the top performers earn a spot at the World Championships.

While the reality of competing in Sweden is slowly sinking in, Megan admits it still feels like a dream.

“I’m extremely, extremely excited. It’s still honestly a bit surreal. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet, but I’m super, super excited.”

The moment she found out she had made Team South Africa is one she’ll never forget. Megan was away on a camping trip when her friend’s mother woke her up with the life-changing news.

“I was just standing there frozen. I was like, ‘Oh my days, what?’ I was very, very shocked.”

With the championships just a few months away, Megan has shifted into full preparation mode. School holidays have been filled with private coaching sessions to fine-tune her routine, while regular evenings are spent training for hours to ensure she’s ready to compete against some of the world’s best dancers.

Like many athletes representing South Africa internationally, funding remains one of the biggest hurdles. Megan and her family are currently raising money to help cover the costs of travelling to Sweden, including flights, accommodation and other expenses associated with competing overseas.

Despite the financial challenge, she says the support from family, friends and the wider community has been nothing short of incredible. Every donation and message of encouragement has reminded her just how many people are backing her dream.

“I’d just like to say a big thank you. It really, really means the whole entire world to me. I promise I’ll do my best to represent South Africa in a good way and give my absolute best on the stage.”

Megan is ready to take on Sweden, carrying not only her own dreams but the hopes of everyone cheering her on back home.

As she counts down the weeks to the biggest competition of her young career, every bit of support brings her one step closer to representing South Africa on the world stage. Those who would like to help make her dream a reality can contribute to her fundraising campaign by following the link here.