Local dancer selected to represent South Africa on European dance tour

A talented dancer from Mtubatuba who has spent years mentoring others is set to represent South Africa on the international stage when she tours Europe later this year.

Cyden Boshoff’s love for dancing began at just five years old, a childhood passion that steadily grew into a life-defining purpose.

By the age of 15, in 2019, she had already taken on an extraordinary responsibility — stepping in to take over her dance school.

While still developing her own skills, Cyden became a leader, teacher and mentor, guiding other dancers and shaping the future of the studio.

Cyden now has three branches of her studio, Dance Force Company – in Mtubatuba, Richards Bay and at Grantleigh.

Her dedication soon earned national recognition. In 2021, Cyden was selected for Team SA at the South African Championships for Performing Arts.

Two years later, in 2023, she was again selected, this time for the Talent Africa South African Team. However, despite the honour of being chosen, financial constraints and matric commitments meant she was unable to attend either international opportunity.

Rather than allowing disappointment to derail her journey, Cyden turned her focus outward. In 2024 and 2025, she poured her energy into uplifting others, leading her school’s dancers to regional, national and international competitions.

While she waited patiently for her own chance, she helped her dancers shine on stages she had once hoped to step onto herself.

Now, that long-awaited moment has arrived.

In June this year, Cyden will have the opportunity to represent Elements of Dance on a European tour to Hungary and Ireland, which includes competing at the European Dance Championships in Dublin.

She will be representing not only Dance Force Company, her dance school, but also her family, her community and South Africa on the international stage.

The honour, however, comes with significant costs. Expenses include international flights, accommodation, competition and tour fees, costumes, training, visas and daily travel.

Having spent years placing others first and giving back to her dancers, Cyden now stands on the brink of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Coming from a small town, chances like this are rare — and funding them is no easy task.

With support, the financial barriers standing between Cyden and the international stage can be removed, allowing her to finally take her place and represent South Africa with pride.

To help Cyden get to Europe, donate via her Back-a-Buddy page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/get-cyden-to-the-european-championships

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