Kimberley dancers shine at National Hip Hop Championships
Dancers from the Noleen Andrews School of Dance celebrate their success at the Hip Hop Unite SA Championships, where Misfits took gold, Culture earned silver and a spot at the World Champs, and Say What placed fifth. Front Row (from left): Anè du Toit, Gina-Lene Becker, Meandi Dalhouzie, Meekah Mentoor, Ree Swanepoel. Second Row: Realeboga Mmolaeng, Willow Wilkenson, Lèahanne Schwemmer, Erin Mackenzie, Miecke Dalhouzie, Keysha Louw. Third Row: Megan Wilken, Zoë Abrahams, Chloe Obaray, Hannah Abrahams, Eliz-Mari Stegmann, Janè Booysen. 4th Row: Jade-Lynn Koopman, Dunay du Toit, Kendra Wagener, Carla Berg, Addison Kotze. Back Row: WB van Dyk, Caitlin Kühn, Marnè Laubscher.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
A group of passionate and determined dancers from the Noleen Andrews School of Dance have proudly flown the Northern Cape flag high at the recent Hip Hop Unite South African Championships held in Cape Town from June 27 to 29.
Competing against the best talent from across the country, the Kimberley-based dancers delivered standout performances in the fiercely contested national event. Representing the province were three dynamic crews: Culture, Say What, and Misfits – all of whom showcased their skills, energy, and creativity on the national stage.
The Misfits Crew emerged as the champions in their category, clinching the coveted Gold Medal. Hot on their heels was the Culture Crew, who danced their way to a Silver Medal, while Say What impressed judges and spectators alike with their routine, earning a fifth place finish.
The accolades doesn't end there. The Culture Crew has earned the honour of representing South Africa at the Hip Hop Unite World Championships set to take place in Prague, Czech Republic, this coming October, a massive achievement that has placed these young dancers on the international map.
Behind their success are the dedicated coaches and mentors, Liam and Noleen Abrahams, who have worked tirelessly to prepare the crews for the national stage.
Speaking after the event, the coaches expressed immense pride in their dancers. "These young performers have poured their hearts into training, and their commitment and passion have paid off. We're incredibly proud of how they represented the Northern Cape and now, for the Culture Crew, the entire country," said Noleen Abrahams.
The Noleen Andrews School of Dance continues to be a beacon of excellence in the arts and youth development in the Northern Cape, and the recent results in Cape Town are a testament to the talent and discipline being nurtured at the school.
As the Culture Crew sets its sights on Prague, the local community is encouraged to rally behind these dancers as they prepare to compete on the global stage – showing the world what the Northern Cape has to offer.