The Free State Dance Awards 2026 were held at the Scaena Theatre at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein on 1 – 2 May 2026. Twelve of our dancers qualified at the trials on the weekend of 17 – 18 April 2026. They got the chance to showcase their skills in ballet, hip hop, modern and musical theatre before esteemed judges.  Dancers of ANPS enrolled at Riëtte’s Dance Studio did extremely well at this prestigious event.  Their achievements reflect commendable dedication and skill within each discipline.

TROPHY WINNER:

11-12 year age group:

Runner up for highest Ballet, Hip Hop & Tap marks:

• Mishke Moolman

Gold medal recipients (85% or Higher)

9 – 10 age group:

Musical Theatre: Uliliso Zaula

11 – 12 age group:

Modern:

• Mishke Moolman

Hip Hop:

• Lidiané Johnson
• Mishke Moolman

Musical Theatre:

• Mishke Moolman
• Alunamide Zaula

13 – 14 age group:

Hip Hop:

• Caitlin Jantjies

Musical Theatre:

• Caitlin Jantjies

Silver medal recipients (75% – 84%)

9 – 10 age group:

Modern:

• Uliliso Zaula

2 age group:

Ballet:

• Lisa Oelofse
• Mishke Moolman

Modern:

• Alunamida Zaula

Hip Hop:

• Lisa Oelofse

Musical Theatre:

• Lidiané Johnson
• Lisa Oelofse
• Amienke Botha-Arends
• Avuya Ndlaleni

13 – 14 age group:

Hip Hop:

• Ria van Riet

Bronze medal recipients (65% – 74%) 

9 – 10 age group:

Ballet:

• Uliliso Zaula,
• Gia Lottering

Modern & Hip Hop

•  Gia Lottering

11 – 12 age group:

Ballet:

• Lidiané Johnson
• Kungawo Mazibukwana
• Amienke Botha-Arends
• Avuya Ndlaleni

Hip Hop:

• Amienke Botha-Arends

Musical Theatre:

• Kungawo Mazibukwana

13 – 14 age group:

Ballet:

• Ria van Riet
• Caitlin Jantjies

Modern

• Caitlin Jantjies

Musical Theatre:

• Ria van Riet