Yet another world championship for South Africa’s dancing talent to soar in!
North West, South Africa (08 October 2025) – Two students from North-West University will fly the South African flag high in the ballroom at the World Dance Championships in Assen, Netherlands, this November!
Tebogo Baas and Matlhogonolo Bodibe will compete in the Youth Championship Latin category after months of pushing themselves through challenging qualifiers and consistent top finishes.
It hasn’t been easy; they’re both still busy with their studies at NWU, but their discipline and love for dancing together have put them on the map.
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“The selection process was quite tough. We had to go through regional and national qualifiers where we competed against some of the best in the country,” Tebogo shared. “Our performance at these events earned us a spot on the national team.”
Tebogo is a second-year coaching science student; he balances his STEM smarts with expert moves in the ballroom. Getting to the World Championships is a dream that finally feels real.
“Receiving my national colours has been a dream come true. It’s proof that consistency and hard work pay off,” he says.
His partner, Matlhogonolo, who is a final-year BA Communication student, says the achievement belongs to more than just the two of them.
“We didn’t achieve this on our own. Our teammates, coach and families played a huge role in supporting and motivating us, even when things were difficult.”
The duo has only been dancing together since February 2024, but in less than two years, they’ve built an obvious connection that shines when they step onto the floor.
They both have a soft spot for Latin classics like the cha-cha, rumba and samba, dances that let them combine rhythm, passion, and personality in a way that feels authentic to them.
Their selection for the World Championships shows just how much work they’ve put in, and the talent that South Africa has in its court!
“Wearing the South African colours is an honour. It’s not just about us, it’s about showing the world the talent that our country holds,” Tebogo says.
Now all eyes are on November, when these two young dancers from the North West will carry the flag in the Netherlands. Let’s go, team, we’re ready to cheer you on with jazz-hands!
Sources: Linked above
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