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 Aliwal -North  Primary School 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

11 – 12 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 Rie

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