Laetitia’s Dance Studio in Mulbarton stepped into its second decade with pride and a growing list of accolades after celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025.

Founded in 2015, the studio marked the milestone in style, proving that while a 10-year anniversary may traditionally be known as a tin or aluminium celebration, its dancers have been bringing home silver, gold and even platinum awards.

Over the past decade, the studio has grown into a respected name in competitive and performance dance, built on a foundation of passion and hard work. “From the very beginning, my vision was to create a space where dancers could work hard, believe in themselves and still have fun,” said studio owner and instructor Laetitia Berry.

“Seeing how far they’ve come in 10 years is incredibly rewarding.”

2025 was a standout year for the studio’s dancers. In May, they participated in the Talent Africa Regional competition, where every dancer qualified and was awarded Gauteng colours, a significant achievement reflecting both individual talent and collective dedication.

The success continued during the October school holidays when the dancers competed at Talent Africa Nationals. Once again, all participants qualified, earning the honour of representing South Africa at an international event scheduled for this year.

“Qualification at the national level is never easy,” Berry explained. “What made it even more special was watching every dancer rise to the challenge. It shows what consistent training and teamwork can achieve.”

Achievers celebrated

Among the many individual highlights, dancers achieved outstanding results across multiple disciplines.

Paige Enslin earned best tap dancer (ages nine to 10), runner-up for modern, multiple platinum awards for modern, character and tap categories, and gold for a modern quartet.

Emmalyn Ackerman received runner-up for tap (ages nine to 10), along with numerous platinum awards for tap and modern solos, character pieces and group work.

Nyeleti Mchati achieved platinum for a modern solo and modern musical group and gold for a modern quartet.
Abigail Gradwell secured platinum awards across tap, modern and hip-hop solos as well as a tap trio.
Shreya Mackenjee and Tamira Naka both earned gold for tap solos.

Mikayla Slabbert received platinum for a modern musical group and silver for a modern solo.

Sophia Schuitema achieved platinum for a modern solo and modern musical group and gold for a modern quartet.

Daniel Berry and Luciano Batista earned platinum awards in hip hop duet and solo categories, and together with Paige Enslin and Emmalyn Ackerman, also received medals for best hip-hop quartet (ages nine to 10).

Adding to an already impressive year, dancers from Laetitia’s Dance Studio also took part in the Essence of Dance Eisteddfod during the October school holidays, gaining valuable performance experience.

As the studio moves into a new year, the focus remains firmly on growth, enjoyment and excellence.

“Achievements and awards are wonderful, but what matters most to me is that my dancers love what they do, support one another and keep striving to be better than they were yesterday.”