Eleven-year-old dancer Elsje Braun from Mbombela will carry South African colours onto two international stages next year, after a 2026 season that saw her named among the country’s best junior dancers.

From June 24 to June 29, 2027, the Laerskool Nelspruit learner will represent South Africa at the World Dance Competition at Disney World in Orlando, USA. She will also be part of the Elite Squad for the MSC Armonia Galaxy of the Ocean Championship, which takes place from January 25 to 29, 2027.

She was chosen for the squad by the judges and by Dance Talent & Model Association (DTMA) president Julie-Ann Maudlin at the

DTMA South African Nationals at Carnival City, Johannesburg, on September 23.

Elsje also received a full sponsorship to represent her dance school aboard the MSC Armonia in 2027. She was one of four children to receive the sponsorship, from about 2 000 items performed over 10 days.

Stellar season brings national titles

This year proved to be monumental for Elsje’s dance career. At the Nationals, she took first place in South Africa for Jazz (Novice) with 95.8% and second place for Acrobatics (Pre-Amateur) with 94.67%. She scored 92.8% in Lyrical (Pre-Amateur), and all three items earned Prestige awards.

She was named Overall Winner 2026 for Junior Jazz Novice and received the Overall Best Personality award in the seven to 18 age group. At the Shine Dance Festival in Mbombela on September 19, she scored 94.23% in Jazz, 92.9% in Lyrical and 92.2% in Acrobatics, and 89.3% with the group dance, ‘The Lion King’.

Elsje won all three solo categories and the Junior Overall title at the DTMA Trials in Tzaneen on May 30, with scores between 91% and 94.8%.

She also won Jazz and the Overall Junior title at the DTMA Provincials in Tzaneen on July 4, qualifying for the Nationals. At the Nelspruit Eisteddfod, she scored between 85% and 89% in her solos and earned a Prestige award of 90% for the group dance.

On September 11, she danced at the Eisteddfod Gala evening, earning her Mpumalanga colours.

“Dance takes perseverance, discipline, willpower, confidence, hours of practice and an indescribable love for what you do,” said Elizna Braun, Elsje’s mother.

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Training builds strong foundation

Elsje has been dancing at Surane Dance Academy (SDA)since the age of five. Over the past six years, the school has played a valuable role in her dance journey. Elizna thanked SDA for the foundation it has built over the years, the knowledge it shared with Elsje and the role it played in developing her talent.

Elsje has trained for the past three months with Glynnis Modern Dance Studio, after the owner of SDA, Surane Stapelberg, moved to Hoedspruit early this year.

Elizna is grateful that the school took Elsje under its wing and showed her love, patience and dedication.

“It means a great deal when someone is willing to look not only at what a child can do now, but at what that child can still achieve,” said Elizna.

For Elsje, dance is personal.

“The stage is not simply a place where she dances,” said Elizna. “It is where her heart speaks when words are not enough. God gave her a talent to nurture and share with the world.”

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