Dance competition winners will perform at Festive Lights Switch-On

The energy was electric at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on Saturday 15 November as 10 dynamic dance crews went head-to-head in the Move with Melody Dance-Offs, which is part of the City’s 2025 Festive Lights Switch-On celebrations.

The competition drew an enthusiastic crowd as performers showcased a dazzling range of dance styles, from hip-hop and street choreography to Afro-fusion and ballroom, reflecting the rich diversity and talent of the Mother City.

Contenders

This year’s top 10 contenders who brought their best moves, heart and hometown pride to the stage, were:

• Aiden and Tatum (Rocklands, Mitchells Plain)

• AWDC (Belhar)

• Bullyproof Crew (Athlone)

• Devolution Dance Family (Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain)

• Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group (Gugulethu)

• Ipeko Dance Group (Philippi)

• One Motion (Bonteheuwel)

• Teo and Morgan (Rondebosch)

• United Township Dancers (Khayelitsha)

• Versatile Dance Crew (Gugulethu)

With prizes of R10 000 for first place, R5 000 for second, and R2 500 for third, the stakes were high for these extraordinary displays of creativity, precision and performance power.

Winners

First place: Ipeko Dance Group

The Philippi-based group took the top prize with a crisp, high-energy act that had all three judges and the crowd captivated and asking for more. Their storytelling was delivered with clarity and precision, uniting multiple dance disciplines to form a singular, cohesive and thrilling performance.

Second place: Devolution Dance Family

The Mitchells Plain crew secured second place with a spectacular, high-octane offering that was a real crowd pleaser. Combining several dance genres, their beautifully-executed performance drew both audience and judges straight into the story from beginning to end.

Third place: Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group

The group delivered a visually stunning performance, from their mesmerising costumes to the fluidity of their dance steps and innovative choreography, building to a big reveal at the end that’s definitely worth discovering at the Grand Parade on 30 November.

Switch-On

All finalists clearly showcased Cape Town’s immense talent, prompting the City of Cape Town to announce its commitment to using all 10 dance groups for a series of events throughout next year.

First up is the Festive Lights Switch-On, where the top three will take to the main stage on Sunday 30 November, performing before thousands in celebration of this year’s theme, “United in Hope”.

Entertainers on the line-up for this family-favourite event include DJ Zinhle, Kurt Darren, A Tribute to Cape Town: a collaboration featuring Emo and Loukmaan Adams, Alistair Izobell, Jody Abrahams and Fancy Galada. Other performers include GoodLuck, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B and Justin Vega, The Heavenly Quartez and more.

The big switch-on moment, pyrotechnics and spellbinding video mapping story projected onto City Hall promise all the ingredients for a brilliant night out to welcome the summer season.

The Festive Lights Switch-On takes place on Sunday 30 November from 16:00 to 22:00 at the Grand Parade.

Entry is free.