POLOKWANE – When ballroom dance duo Adelaide Hlungwani and Happy Ramano promised South Africa they would return with medals, they meant it.

The pair competed in the 2025 Dutch Open and WDC-AL World Championships held in Assen, the Netherlands from November 3-9, an experience they described as “nerve-wrecking”.

The event featured a wide range of ballroom and Latin competitions across professional, amateur, youth, junior and juvenile divisions.

“This time the atmosphere was intense and overwhelming. You can’t prepare for being surrounded by some of the world’s most talented dancers, teachers and adjudicators all at once,” Ramano said.

He added that although the pressure was heavy at times, they pushed through.

“The training camp was incredibly educational. The theme, ‘The Value of Space’, made us more aware of the importance of holding your own space.”

Hlungwani told Polokwane Observer that the championships demand discipline, physical and mental stability, and exceptional dancing to progress through each round.

“We were not going to miss it. The hospitality was amazing and we truly had a great experience.”

Their biggest highlight was reaching the second round of the Amateur Latin World Open Championships. “It has been our main goal for three years. Being finalists in the over 30 Latin Worlds in 2022, 2024 and 2025 is phenomenal and surreal,” she said.

They expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Happyadey Dance Academy, Uni Limpopo Dance Sport, the Spillebeen family and all their supporters.

“Our success is not only ours. It belongs to everyone who encouraged us. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”