JEFFREYS BAY – Ten-year-old Jeffreys Bay twins Ilke and Arnoux Hattingh, have thanked the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa and the Street Dance Association for providing dancers with the opportunity to achieve their Protea Colours in dance sport.

The siblings, who flew to the United Kingdom on 10 August, will represent South Africa at the United Dance Organisation (UDO) World Championships from 12 to 16 August, becoming the first dancers from the Eastern Cape to compete at this level internationally.

The siblings, who train at Limitless Dance Studio and are members of the Street Dance Association, qualified through their eligibility for the Eastern Cape Provincial Colours via the Federation of Dance Sport Eastern Cape.

For Ilke and Arnoux, the opportunity marks the culmination of years of dedication, discipline and a shared passion for dance.

Arnoux said his love for dance began with his enjoyment of music and movement.

“As a young boy, I always enjoyed music and moving with it. My sister always showed so much enjoyment while dancing that it made me want to try it out,” said Arnoux.

He started hip hop in 2023 before moving to Limitless Dance Studio in 2024 to dance alongside his sister.

“When I first learned street dance, I felt excited and could not wait to learn more. I fell in love with street dance because it lets me be myself. I love the cool moves, the music and the energy,” said Arnoux.

Ilke’s journey began even earlier, starting with ballet at the age of five before exploring rhythmic gymnastics and eventually settling at Limitless Dance Studio, where she currently trains in more than one dance style.

“I love street dance because I can express myself and the energy makes me feel happy,” said Ilke.

“I enjoy sharing this love for the sport with my brother. We can train together and challenge each other.”

Arnoux has been dancing for four years, with three of those years alongside Coach Kirstin “Coach K” Silva at Limitless Dance Studio, while Ilke has danced for just over five years and is in her fourth year training with Kirstin.

When the twins discovered they had been selected to represent South Africa at the UDO World Championships, they said they were initially shocked and surprised, but once reality settled in, the excitement and nervousness started.

They added that representing the Eastern Cape and South Africa on an international stage was a proud moment and that they both felt honoured.

The twins train from Monday to Friday for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, as well as a weekly 90-minute session with Kirstin.

For Arnoux, one of the highlights of performing is the energy he receives from the audience, while Ilke enjoys expressing herself through movement and meeting new people.

Arnoux said his biggest inspirations are his sister and the love she shows towards dance, as well as Michael Jackson.

Ilke said Kirstin has been her biggest inspiration.

“Coach K never stopped believing in me, and I am the dancer I am today because of her,” said Ilke.

As they prepare to compete in the United Kingdom, the twins are looking forward to seeing dancers from around the world, learning new moves, performing on a global stage and meeting new people.

Their goal is to return with a gold medal for South Africa, but they also want to enjoy the experience and learn as much as possible.

They also encouraged young dancers in the Eastern Cape to believe in themselves and never give up.

Their mother, Juanita, said music and dancing have always been part of their lives.

“They have loved music and dancing from a very young age. I cannot imagine either of them not dancing,” said Juanita.

She said that watching their journey from their first dance classes to qualifying for an international competition had been incredible.

“They have built up so much confidence and discipline while maintaining a love for dance and energetic music,” said Juanita.

She described learning that the twins would represent South Africa as an emotional moment for the family.

“We were incredibly proud and honestly a little overwhelmed. Watching the twins work so hard, spend countless hours training, and stay dedicated to something they love has been inspiring,” said Juanita.

“Hearing that they had qualified to represent South Africa made all the sacrifices worthwhile. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved at such a young age.”

Juanita said she hopes the championships will give the twins the opportunity to enjoy every moment, learn, grow, make new friends and create lasting memories.

“Success isn’t about winning. It’s about representing South Africa with pride, showing good sportsmanship, and coming home knowing they gave it their all,” said Juanita.

Kirstin, owner of Limitless Dance Studio, said the twins’ dedication is what makes them stand out as performers.

“Even when they are tired or have had a long day, they still show up and work hard. When they perform, you can see the dedication behind the movement,” said Kirstin.

“They never give up, even if I challenge them with harder, more complex moves.”

Kirstin said Ilke has a sweet smile that ignites the audience, and Arnoux has the strongest force behind his movement, with both dancers having grown significantly over the years.

She said having dancers represent South Africa internationally is a major achievement for the studio.

“It’s a huge accomplishment. My passion is for dancers to get the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication,” said Kirstin.

“Receiving that level of recognition is outstanding for the studio. The hard work and hours we put in with the twins are paying off with them being recognised. It also motivates the rest of my studio to work hard.”

Kirstin said the recognition of dance sport by the Sports Confederation of South Africa (SASCOC), including the awarding of Protea Colours, shows that dancers are putting in the same level of commitment as athletes in other sporting codes.

“Dance has always been seen as an extramural activity, and we are never recognised for the countless hours, sweat and muscle aches we put in,” said Kirstin.

She added that the achievement is particularly significant for the Eastern Cape, as it marks the province’s first time receiving these colours for Street Dance.

Kirstin said the Dance Sports Club League has created opportunities for dancers from her studios in Gqeberha, Jeffreys Bay and Despatch to compete at regional and national level.

“The platform gives all my clients the opportunities I strive for them to have,” said Kirstin.

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