NWU Dancers and Symphony Shine: From the Global Stage to Aardklop’s Grand Finale

The North-West University (NWU) continues to affirm its place as a powerhouse of talent, not just in academics but in the arts. This October, two of its brightest dance stars are preparing to take their passion across borders, while the university’s orchestral and vocal performers recently brought the Momentum Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees to a breathtaking close.

Tebogo Baas and Matlhogonolo Bodibe to Represent SA at World Dance Championships

Dedication, rhythm, and teamwork have carried Tebogo Baas and Matlhogonolo Bodibe all the way to the world stage. The pair, both students of North-West University, have officially been selected to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Dance Championships in Assen, Netherlands, this November.

Their journey to this point has been one of perseverance and passion. After months of rigorous training, national qualifiers, and competitive performances, the talented duo earned their place in the Youth Championship Latin category, where they will face some of the world’s best dancers.

Both Baas and Bodibe attribute their success to unwavering discipline, strong teamwork, and the continued encouragement from their coach, teammates, and families. Their shared commitment to excellence reflects not only personal ambition but also the spirit of NWU, where creativity meets determination.

As November approaches, the campus and broader Potchefstroom community are rallying behind the duo, offering support and well wishes. Their upcoming international performance will serve as an inspiration to other young artists pursuing their dreams through persistence and passion.

While NWU’s dancers prepare to captivate audiences abroad, the university’s Symphony Orchestra and choirs recently took center stage in Potchefstroom for the finale of the Momentum Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees, a week of artistic brilliance that filled the town with theatre, music, and creativity.

The closing production, The Drop that Contained the Sea, was a musical and emotional masterpiece that celebrated the universal language of humanity through sound. Conducted by André Oosthuizen and Kobus Venter, the performance featured music by Christopher Tin and explored the transformative power of water , a symbol of unity, life, and connection.

Performed in a variety of languages including Xhosa, Portuguese, and Bulgarian, the production conveyed the Sufi-inspired idea that every drop of water holds the essence of the entire sea, just as every person carries the essence of humanity. The orchestral arrangement, combined with rich choral harmonies, created a deeply moving experience for audiences who described it as both spiritually profound and artistically flawless.

A video link will be shared to showcase highlights from this extraordinary performance, capturing the energy and emotion that defined the finale.

Celebrating NWU’s Creative Excellence

From the dance floor to the concert hall, NWU continues to shine as a beacon of artistic achievement. The success of Baas and Bodibe, alongside the breathtaking orchestral performance at Aardklop, underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting cultural enrichment.

Both milestones, one on the global stage and one in the heart of Potchefstroom, remind us that creativity, dedication, and unity remain at the core of South Africa’s artistic identity. Whether it’s through movement or music, NWU’s performers are making their mark on the world, one beat and one note at a time.

#TheGoToGuy #NWU #WorldDanceChampionships #Aardklop2025 #TheDropThatContainedTheSea #SouthAfricanTalent #ArtsAndCulture #Potchefstroom #YouthExcellence #NWUOrchestra

💃🏽🎶🌊🎭🌍✨