South African multi-world champion dancer Jumah Mohammed has returned from an international country and line dancing competition in Germany, eager to share what he learned with his students at the Witpoortjie Recreation Centre.

Mohammed, founder of Saint Ballroom Dance, is best known for his achievements in ballroom and Latin dancing. He said competing in country and line dancing marked a new chapter in his career.

“This was a completely new chapter for me. It challenged me not only as a dancer, but also as a choreographer and competitor. I had to understand the requirements of a different genre, prepare the choreography properly, submit it and then perform it under international competition conditions.”

He said the experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning, regardless of experience or success.

“No matter how much you have achieved, you must remain teachable. Every international competition teaches you something. Germany taught me valuable lessons, and I want to bring those lessons back into my teaching and into the local dance community.”

• Also read: Roodepoort’s self-taught dancer becomes multi-world champion

Although he did not achieve every result he had hoped for, Mohammed said the experience formed an important part of his development as a competitor.

“At this level, not every competition will go your way. That is part of being a competitor. I respect the judges’ decision, and I take the experience as part of my development. You learn, you adjust, and you prepare better.”

He plans to share those lessons with his students when dance classes resume at the recreation centre in mid-July following renovations.

“For me, representing South Africa internationally is not only about standing on a podium. It is also about bringing knowledge, exposure and experience back home. If I grow internationally, then my students and my community must also benefit from that growth.”

Mohammed hopes the reopening of the recreation centre will help grow dance participation in Roodepoort and the wider West Rand.

“I want people in Roodepoort and the West Rand to know that world-class dance training is available locally. You do not have to look far to access quality coaching. The same training mindset that helped me succeed internationally is what I want to share with my students.”

Over the years, Mohammed has built an impressive competitive record, including being an undefeated South African solo ballroom champion, an All Africa champion, a European champion and a multi-world champion in ballroom and Latin dancing.

Dance classes are available at the Witpoortjie Recreation Centre for children, adults, individuals and couples. For enquiries, contact Mohammed on 084 553 2937 or email j@saintballroom.co.za.