The 17-year-old South African dancer returned from the World Dance Championships in Dublin with five gold medals and a growing dream of a professional career.
South Africa (31 July 2026) – When Miette Lombard’s entry number was announced at the World Dance Championships in Dublin, the 17-year-old South African dancer could hardly believe what she was hearing.
After months of preparation, she had been named a world champion.
“I remember taking a breath,” Miette said. “Then they said, ‘Number seven from South Africa,’ and it was just this wave of relief, pride and accomplishment.”
That moment was the first of several memorable achievements for Miette, who returned home with five gold medals after competing in 13 dance items at one of the world’s largest international dance competitions.
For Miette, dance has been a constant in her life.
“My love for dance has kind of just always been there,” she said. “I’ve experienced burnout at certain times, but I always come back to this place of being absolutely in love with dancing and every part of it.”
Her first dance class was at the age of three, and she has continued to develop her skills ever since. While her passion for performing remains a major source of motivation, she is also driven by the knowledge that every class and performance brings her closer to her goal of becoming a professional dancer.
“Every time I step into a class, I know I’m going to improve. Every time I step onto a stage, I’m going to improve,” she said. “I’m working towards an end goal. This is my life.”
At the championships, Miette performed five solos, two duos, two trios and four group routines. Her studio had been preparing for the competition since January the previous year, with regular rehearsals helping each performance become second nature.
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Miette’s first gold medal remains particularly special. As the results were announced, she was still celebrating the achievements of her friends and teammates when her own category was called. One of her gold medals was awarded on her birthday, making the achievement even more meaningful as she celebrated alongside her teammates and family.
Miette credits her parents for the unwavering support and sacrifices they have made throughout her journey.
While recovering from a back injury, Miette is continuing to explore the options available to support her recovery and return to full strength.
“I’m still at the beginning of the road to recovery, but we’re looking at our options and seeing what we can do to get me back on track.”
Miette is looking ahead to the next stage of her career. She hopes to transition from competitive dance into professional performance and use the stage to express who she is as both a dancer and a person.
“I’m really looking forward to my career and to my end goal of being a performer and being able to convey to an audience who I am as a dancer and as a person.”
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