Alberton’s own multi-world champion dancer, Jumah Mohammed, has returned from Germany with new international experience that he hopes will benefit dancers in the community.

Mohammed, who teaches dance classes at the Alberton Civic Centre, recently travelled to Germany to compete in country and line dancing.

This genre differs from the ballroom and Latin disciplines in which he has earned multiple world titles.

The trip marked a new chapter in his career and challenged him to step outside his comfort zone.

“This was a completely new chapter in my dancing career,” said Mohammed. “Country and line dancing is still new to me, and I had to approach it with respect, discipline and an open mind.”

One of the competition’s major challenges involved creating original choreography, documenting it according to competition requirements, submitting it officially and then performing it on the international stage.

“That alone was a major learning experience,” he explained. “It was not only about dancing steps. I had to understand the requirements, create the choreography, submit it correctly, and then perform it under international competition conditions.”

While the results were not everything he had hoped for, Mohammed said the experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement.

“At this level, not every competition will go your way,” he said. “That is part of being a competitor. I respect the judges’ decision, and I take the experience as part of my growth.”

Mohammed is no stranger to success. Over the years, he has built an impressive list of achievements, including being an undefeated South African solo ballroom champion, an All Africa champion, a European champion and a multi-world champion in ballroom and Latin dancing.

Despite these accomplishments, he believes there is always more to learn. “No matter how much you have achieved, you must stay teachable,” he said. “Germany reminded me that there is always more to learn.”

Back in Alberton, Mohammed is already applying the lessons from the trip as he prepares for future world championship events.

He also hopes his experience will encourage local dancers to pursue their goals, regardless of age or experience level.

“My goal is not only to compete internationally,” he said. “It is also to bring world-class dance training back to our local communities. Alberton has talent, and I want people to know that quality dance training is available right here.”

Through his classes at the Alberton Civic Centre, Mohammed teaches ballroom and Latin dancing, social dancing, wedding dance preparation and Afrikaans dance styles such as sokkie, two step and Boerewals. Classes are available for children, adults, individuals and couples.

Reflecting on the Germany trip, Mohammed said he views the experience as an important step in his development rather than a disappointment.

“Winning is wonderful, but growth often comes from the competitions that test you,” he said. “I am not discouraged. I am grateful. This was a learning experience, and I will come back stronger, better prepared and more experienced.”

As he continues representing South Africa on the international dance stage, Mohammed remains committed to helping grow dance participation in Alberton and sharing the knowledge gained from his experiences abroad.

Dance classes with Mohammed are available at Alberton Civic Centre for children, adults, individuals and couples. For enquiries, contact Mohammed on 084 553 2937 or email j@saintballroom.co.za