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Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The popular Battle of the Giants dance competition is back and now has some international flair.

In this annual showcase of talent and exceptional dance routines, the South African Body of Dance (SABOD) and International Dance Organisation (IDO) joined forces to host the week-long dance competition that is held at the Superbowl at Sun City.

This inaugural event, dubbed the “IDO African Championships - Battle of the Giants” saw 360 competitors and 41 dance schools (from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Hungary) compete in the first week of the school holiday. 

 

 

The dance competition took the format of an “open” championship and required no qualifying process for dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Show Dance, Tap, Contemporary, AfroFusion, Disco Dance, and so much more.

More than 40 dance schools took part in a grand parade at the gala evening where the new African Solo champion was announced as Clarishca Viljoen from DanceIt Studios in Johannesburg. SABOD is affiliated to the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa, which is the controlling body of Dance Sport in the country and who applies to SASCOC on behalf of the dancers, for Protea Colours. “This isn’t just a competition; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a historic moment where Africa steps onto the global stage as a premier dance destination,” the organisers, Bev and Warren Wood, commented. 

“For too long, the electrifying energy of major IDO events has been primarily experienced in Europe, and now this opportunity has been bestowed on Africa, where dance culture across the continent, will be amplified, showcasing Africa’s unique rhythms and unparalleled passion to the world.”

With music booming throughout the Superbowl all week, it was difficult for the audience not to join and stomp feet, sing along and do some chair-dancing along with the dancers. The excitement was palpable and on the gala evening, Bev, President of SABOD, commented that “the future of dance in South Africa looks brighter than ever”.

The event was also graced by the presence of various top dancing judges from both South Africa and abroad including Lorcia Cooper Kumalo, South African television and dance icon, and international judge, Sylwana Patlaszynska, from Poland.