Dance Divas brings energy and elegance to Linden
The fourth annual Dance Divas festival showcased talent, teamwork, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Dancers from across South Africa gathered for the fourth edition of Dance Divas, an all-style dance festival hosted in Linden.
Organised by Craig Riviera and hosted at Pinnacle College Linden, the event attracted competitors from provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and the Western Cape. “It’s an all-style event. We’ve got freestyle, slow dance, disco, as well as ballroom, Latin, rhythm, and smooth – so it really caters to a wide range of dancers.”
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While the competition element remains strong, Riviera emphasised that enjoyment is at the heart of the festival. “One of the biggest components is fun. Dancers come to do well and train, especially with international competitions coming up, but we want them to enjoy what they do.”
Many participants use the event as preparation for upcoming international championships, with some set to compete in the United Kingdom. Training for such events is intensive, often involving private lessons, group classes, and additional fitness work. Dance sport is also officially recognised, with top competitors earning national colours through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).
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Despite the competitive nature, the atmosphere remained supportive. Riviera said he noticed strong camaraderie among dancers. “There’s a lot of passion and energy, but also good sportsmanship. They encourage each other. It’s like a family.”
The event, previously hosted on the East Rand, was held in Linden for the first time, and proved to be a success. Competitors vied for medals, trophies, and prizes valued at over R30 000. Looking ahead, Riviera hopes to grow the festival even further. “We’d like to attract international adjudicators and competitors to raise the level of the event.”
With its blend of competition, community, and celebration, Dance Divas continues to establish itself as a standout on the local dance calendar.
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