Sixteen-year-old Machnus Beukes from Caledon is reaching out to the Overberg community for support as he prepares to chase his dancing dreams on the international stage.
The talented teenager, who attends Overberg High School, has been selected to compete at the prestigious 2026 Dance Star World Masters in Porec, Croatia, scheduled for 12-17 May.
This all-genre dance competition will bring approximately 7 000 competitors from roughly 28 countries together, making it one of the most significant international dance events of the year. For Machnus, who trains at Made 2 Move Dance Studio under founder and principal Charlene Ollewagen, this marks his second opportunity to represent South Africa on the world stage.
However, the dream comes with a substantial financial challenge. The total cost for the competition trip amounts to approximately R75 000 per dancer, covering essential expenses, including visa applications, airfare, competition entry fees, accommodation, costumes and props plus additional intensive dance lessons and bootcamps required for world-level preparation.
Those close to Machnus see this as an incredible opportunity for showcasing his talent internationally and gain invaluable experience competing at the highest level.
The Beukes family, especially parents Schunette and DeVilliers, is working tirelessly to secure the necessary funds, but the substantial amount required makes community support essential for making this dream achievable.
The Dance Star World Masters represents more than just a competition; it’s a platform where young South African talent can measure themselves against the world’s best, gain international exposure and potentially open doors to future opportunities in the performing arts industry. For a small-town teenager from Caledon, competing at this level demonstrates exceptional dedication and skill that deserves community recognition and support.
Community members wishing to support Machnus’s journey can contact his parents directly: Schunette Beukes: 072 913 5701 or schunettebeukes@gmail.com, DeVilliers Beukes: 072 684 0660 or devilliers@dvroyalcouture.co.za
