Leevasha Reddy
A dance instructor from Strand and his crew have seized their second opportunity to blaze a path on the world stage, competing in the prestigious Dance Star World Dance Masters in Porec, Croatia.
Liam Snyders (24), who teaches at the Rhapsody Dance Centre in Strand, along with his dance crew, Inferno, are no strangers to the Dance Star scene. In 2024, Inferno made their international debut, placing second in the Urban Senior Group section, A League.
Determined to return stronger, the crew have channelled that near-miss into fuel for this year’s performance.
Inferno earned their place on the world stage after competing in the South African leg of the Dance Star competition at Bergvliet High School last year. From Tuesday 12 to Sunday 17 May, Snyders and the crew will go toe to toe with the best dancers from across the world.
Led by their coach, John Rispel, Inferno embraced the lengthy hours and gruelling schedule of preparation, devoting their hearts and minds to the craft.
“Honestly, a lot of long hours of rehearsals and a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it,” Snyders admitted.
The crew matched their skill with remarkable chemistry and synchronisation, welcoming new members with open arms and strengthening their bond both on and off the stage through team building.
“They definitely feel like a family – that’s the one thing everyone around us, who has performed with us, and done any work whatsoever with us has always said,” said Snyders.
Alongside their training, Inferno faced the heavy task of raising enough money to fund their international trip, planning fundraisers, participating in showcases and performances, and leaning on one another to make their dreams a reality.
For Snyders, the journey has been as much about personal growth as it has been about the competition. The Cape Town-born instructor joined Rhapsody Dance Centre in early 2026 to teach urban-style dance and found himself exposed to a new world of experiences.
“I found myself in a space where I was constantly having to work on my own craft and improve myself,” Snyders recalled.
It is with this drive that he and the crew touched down in Croatia last Friday (8 May), ready to take on the world.
Following their adventure in Croatia, Inferno will perform at Cape Town’s Most Wanted, a showcase that brings together the best local talent to display the excitement of dance for local audiences.
Throughout the journey, Inferno continues to grow in prominence and represent South Africa proudly – no longer underdogs, they carry a tenacious attitude and hard-earned respect in the world of dance.
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