South African street dancers hip and hop at world championships
South African street dancers returned from the UDO World Championships with medals, top finishes, and pride, proving the nation’s strength in global street dance sport.
South Africa’s street dancers have made the nation proud after returning from the UDO World Championships in the United Kingdom, held from August 13 to 17. 60 Protea athletes, along with six managers and coaches, showcased their talent on the world stage and returned with outstanding results.
Among the highlights was Onneile Dihemo, who claimed the UDO House Dance Battle World Champion gold medal, while also finishing as Vice World Champion in the 2v2 All Style Battles, alongside Jed Bullock.
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In the hip-hop solo sections, Simphiwe Ndlovu was crowned Vice World Champion in the U18 international category. Other strong performances included Vuyokazi Ndlovu (7th in U18 international), Onneile Dihemo (4th in U18 advanced), Tsumbedzo Matambela (6th in U18 advanced), Mbali Ngobela (5th in U18 advanced) and Jose Africa (8th in O18 international).
South Africa also impressed in the team’s section, with Hip-Hop Heads Crew finishing 8th in the U16 advanced category, Monarchy Crew securing 8th in U18 advanced, and Lineage earning 9th place in U18 advanced.
The Street Dance Association (SDA), which manages the sport in schools, clubs, and universities across the country, said these results prove that South Africa is building a strong global presence in dance.
“Dance is more than movement,” said Mandy Bullock, president of the SDA and head of delegation for Team South Africa 2025. “It is a sport that builds confidence, focus, creativity, and self-worth.”
Street Dance is officially recognised under the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) and continues to grow as part of the global push to include dance forms, such as breaking, in the Olympic Games.
SDA, established in 2015, runs two national programmes: The Dance Sport School League and the Dance Sport Club League. It also works with University Dance Sport South Africa and is an associate member of the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa, a South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee recognised body.
For South Africa’s young athletes, these achievements go beyond medals. They mark the recognition of dance as a legitimate sport and show that learners, who may not find their place in traditional codes, can excel on international stages.
“These dancers are trailblazers,” said Bullock. “We call on schools, government, parents, and brands to support them as they continue raising the flag high.”
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