14/08/2026
Mandela University Ballroom & Latin Team crowned champions for second year running
Reasons to be Proud - Nelson Mandela University’s Ballroom & Latin Dance Society has once again danced its way to the top, returning from the 2026 Intervarsity Ballroom & Latin Student Nationals as Overall Champions for the second consecutive year.
The team brought home two of the three overall trophies: the prestigious Overall Trophy, retaining the title for the second year running, and the Spirit Trophy, recognising the team’s outstanding energy, camaraderie and gees (spirit) throughout the competition.
In addition, the Mandela University team was the smallest with only 30 dancers out of the 134 competitors, with representatives across Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Silver Trophy sections.
Hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT) at the Sea Point Civic Centre in Cape Town, the competition brought together dancers from UCT, Nelson Mandela and Stellenbosch Universities.
Following Mandela University’s 2025 overall victory hosted on home turf, the team travelled to Cape Town through the night determined to defend their title.
The achievement was the result of months of preparation, with dancers training consistently since February.
The day began with the Open Dances, featuring styles including Boogie, Mambo, Bachata, Viennese Waltz, Sokkie, Paso Doble and Argentine Tango. MandelaUni dancers performed exceptionally well, with many reaching finals and securing medals.
In the main Ballroom and Latin sections that followed the MandelaUni dancers competed across the different levels and once again achieved numerous strong placings and medals.
The final event of the day was the Team Dances, where selected dancers represented their universities across different dance styles.
Congratulations to coach Miranda Botha and the team for performing with determination, passion and team spirit, bringing home the Overall and Spirit Trophies!
