GQEBERHA – The much-anticipated Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival will dazzle audiences at the Savoy Theatre from 24 to 29 August 2026, and this year the love of dance will be matched by a love of animals as adjudicator and animal welfare advocate, Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, brings the Dancers Love Dogs spirit to the festival.

Now in its 45th year since founders Jennifer Abraham and Hermione Ballinger, began the celebration, the festival returns as a major highlight for dancers, teachers and audiences, which will be offering six days of competition, a masterclass for participating dancers and performances that showcase local talent and commitment to the arts.

This year’s festival features 29 studios and 807 registered dancers, producing a record-breaking 1 692 performances across genres and age groups; the event culminates in a gala evening on Saturday 29 August that will present the festival highlights and the awards presentation.

Adjudicator Brigitte Reeve-Taylor will bring her international dance experience and beautiful heart, strengthening the connection between the dance community and animal welfare.

“NMBDF has always been about community, creativity and care and this year we’re proud to bring those values together by supporting the Animal Anti-Cruelty League in memory of Linda-Louise Swain,” says Brigitte Reeve-Taylor.

In honour of the late Linda-Louise Swain, a beloved local theatre personality and animal welfare volunteer whose tireless rescue efforts made a lasting impact in Nelson Mandela Bay, an Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) donation station will be on site throughout the festival.

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