Five local line dancers have earned spots at the “Oscars of line dancing” in England, but reaching the world stage requires more than just perfect steps.
René le Roux, Erika Malan, Jo-Ann Theron, Adèle Bannister and their coach Leschelle Morkel have qualified to represent Team South Africa at the 2026 World Dance Masters, which takes place at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool from Thursday 30 July to Monday 3 August.
The World Dance Masters is an elite dance competition featuring dancers from around the globe as they go toe-to-toe in perfect sequence to see who is the best for the year.
Morkel explained line dancing involves individuals performing choreographed steps in formation, all facing the same direction. Unlike other dance styles no partner is required.
“Each dancer dances independently, yet as part of a group, which creates a strong sense of unity and shared rhythm,” she pointed out.
The journey to this achievement began years ago. Morkel, who has been dancing for 31 years, founded Line Dance Addiction Studio in 2016 after relocating to Strand.
“I felt a strong desire to share my passion and create a space where dancers could experience the same joy, as well as a sense of community,” she elaborated.
This is where Le Roux, Malan, Theron and Bannister found their dance family.
“I was looking for an extramural activity and my life changed after I discovered line dancing,” exclaimed Malan.
The group began their qualification process in February last year, competing in individual divisions and age groups at the Step Up Competition in Johannesburg.
This was followed by the Cape Classic Competition in Paarl in May 2025. The final qualification rounds took place at the South African Masters in Linden, Johannesburg, last July.
Now, having qualified in their respective competition categories, the team faces their biggest hurdle: funding their trip.
Le Roux and Theron qualified in Intermediate Crystal (age 35 to 44), Bannister and Malan in Novice Silver (age 45-plus), and coach Morkel in Advanced Silver (age 45-plus).
They have undertaken several initiatives, including shows at the Barnyard Theatre and raffles at social events. Their next major fundraiser is a Country Evening at The Barn in Gordon’s Bay this Friday (30 January).
“It has taken us so many hours of practice and dedication,” shared Theron. “We have fallen down, then had to get up and do it again. Our club is really like a family.”
The community can help these five achieve their dream by attending and supporting the Country Evening or contacting Theron at 079 517 3396 for other ways to support their journey to Blackpool.
