We’re thrilled to announce that auditions for our 2026 Secondary Campus production of High School Musical are complete, and the cast has been revealed! Exciting times lie ahead as our talented learners begin rehearsals for what promises to be a dynamic, high-energy show filled with music, movement, and spirit. We can’t wait to watch our performers bring this much-loved story to life on stage.
The 2025 Dance Awards celebrate the dedication, passion, and perseverance of our dancers—both in the studio and beyond. This annual recognition honours individuals who demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but also commitment, balance, and integrity in all areas of their school life, from academics and leadership to service and sport.
Award criteria are detailed in the Learner Directory and can also be found on the Dance site under the Secondary Dance Awards tab.
Half Colours - Dance
Kyla-Jade Thomas, Karena Li, Diyana Manga, Yihan Dai, Taylor Watson, Caitlin Hunt, Kiana Naidoo, Clara-Mari Vosloo, Isabela Manickum, Courtney Milleski, Logan De Araujo, Lesa Pokwana, Sesona Mbovane, Sujata Naidoo and Julia Ligthelm
Colours - Dance
Ella Frielinghaus, Pearl Mabula, Morgan Santo, Hannah Vachaudez, Sabrina Davids, Khazimla Maguga, Alexandra Bester and Amy-Kate Wood
Honours - Dance
Alexa-Rose Schreuder
Trophy for Commitment and Perseverance in Dancing GET
Isabella Manickum
Trophy for Commitment and Perseverance in Dancing FET
Alexa-Rose Schreuder
Michelle Smal Trophy for Most Improved GET Dancer
Clara-Mari Vosloo
Michelle Smal for Most Improved FET Dancer
Ella Frielinghaus
TAITA Engineering (SA) Shield for Ballet
Hannah Vachaudez
Sasha Hall Shield for Modern Dancing
Sabrina Davids
T.E.S.A Palisade (S.A) Shield for Tap Dancing
Alexandra Bester
Versatility in Dance
Khazimla Maguga
Trophy for Grade 12 Dancer
Alexandra Bester
We are thrilled to celebrate our Secondary dancers Clara-Mari Vosloo, Ella Friellinghaus, and Alexa-Rose Schreuder, who once again shone on stage as members of the renowned Cape Junior Ballet Company in their 2025 production, Elements. This dynamic work showcased the strength, versatility, and expressive range of these talented young dancers. Their continued dedication and artistry serve as an inspiration to all our Parklands College learners who share in their journey and success.
From the smallest Grade R performer to our confident Grade 6 dancers, the production brought together ballet, tap, and modern styles in a colourful celebration of movement, music, and stage magic.
Our dancers stepped into a world of lights, costume changes, and backstage buzz—an exciting (and sometimes chaotic!) opportunity that challenged them to grow in technique, confidence, and character. It was more than just another production; it was a life experience.
A special mention goes to our secondary dancers, who embraced their roles as leaders and mentors during the production backstage.
We are so proud of every dancer who took part—your energy, effort, and sparkle lit up the stage. Congratulations on an incredible show!
Our dancers made us proud at this year’s Ballet and Stage Branch Eisteddfod, showcasing their talent, dedication, and love for performance. It was a memorable experience filled with artistry, teamwork, and joy
Category Winners:
Ariana - Demi - Character Ballet
Yara – Classical Ballet Set
Yara - Classical Ballet Own Choice
Luka - Modern Studio Set
Sophia - Modern Studio Set
Sisipho - Modern Studio Set
Sabrina, Khazimla, Hannah - Ballet National Trio
Alexander - Tap Own Choice and a special award Most Outstanding Tapper
In the Schools Production Category, our Grade 7–12 dancers captivated the audience with their 'Chess' production, A theatrical blend of ballet, modern and Tap. The production received a Diploma, winning the category, and glowing remarks from the adjudicator for its originality and execution.
Parklands College continues to champion diversity and inclusion in ballet. In a meaningful step forward, all dancers performed in flesh-toned tights that matched their unique skin tones — celebrating individuality and ensuring every learner feels seen, valued, and confident on stage.
Two highlight videos from the event are available below — capturing the joy, artistry, and spirit of our dancers.
Our Grade R ballerinas charmed the audience as the Madagascar penguins in this year’s May Play. Full of personality and penguin flair, it was a delightful first step onto the stage for these young stars.
We were thrilled to offer our Grade 1 and 6 dancers specialised coaching in expression and performance for their Eisteddfod Character solos with none other than our very own Mrs Buckle. Her wealth of experience and renowned expertise provided an invaluable opportunity for these young dancers to refine their artistry.
We were also proud to offer our Secondary Dance Study learners focused coaching in expression and performance for their Eisteddfod ballet solos, guided by the insightful and dedicated Mr Wyngaard. His deep understanding of Dramatic technique and performance brought a fresh perspective, helping our dancers elevate their interpretation and stage presence.
Our Own Choice, Secondary ballet solos and Secondary trio dancers were equally privileged to receive coaching from the distinguished Professor Elizabeth Triegaardt — a towering figure in the South African ballet world. A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance, Professor Triegaardt is closely affiliated with the Cape Junior Ballet Company and is a former principal dancer of CAPAB Ballet. She also served as CEO of Cape Town City Ballet and was the long-standing head of the UCT Dance Department. Having such a remarkable mentor guide our dancers is truly an honour and a memorable milestone in their training journey.
From our tiny Pre-Primary ballerinas to our dedicated Ballet, Modern, and Tap Matrics, dance is thriving across all campuses! Wishing every learner a successful and enriching year filled with growth, passion, and joy in movement. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! ✨💃🩰🎭
We are thrilled to congratulate our 2024 Matric Dance Studies learners for their exceptional achievements. Sienna, Paige, Daniel, and Jean-Michelle have been dedicated members of the dance department, demonstrating determination and hard work in both practical and theoretical components to achieve outstanding results. Their collective effort has led to a remarkable class average of 90% for Dance Studies in the National Senior Certificate.
A special congratulations to Jean-Michelle, who earned an outstanding 100% in Dance Studies and first place in the Province, and Paige who followed closely with an impressive 98%.
We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success in the future!
We are proud to announce Jessica and Sujata as our 2025 Dance Captains! Both Grade 11 dancers have shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and a genuine love for dance throughout their time with us.
As Dance Captains, they will assist with costumes, rehearsals, and performance preparations, support younger dancers, and help nurture a positive, inclusive dance environment. We look forward to the energy and commitment they’ll bring to this role.
Congratulations, Jessica and Sujata — we’re excited to see you lead!
The Parklands College Secondary Production of The Wizard of Oz was a spectacular showcase of visual, singing, dancing, and acting talent, with high production values that left the audience in awe. The incredible cast and crew brought this beloved classic to life, with corps dancers creating magical scenes that captivated everyone. Several dancers took the spotlight in lead roles, delivering standout performances: Morgan Santo as Dorothy, Jean-Michelle de Blanche as the Scarecrow, Alexander Bester as the Tin Man, Uminathi May as the Wicked Witch, and Paige de Araujo as Glinda.
The production was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and was a true celebration of creativity and teamwork.
This year, our Pre-Primary concerts were a vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and the joy of dance. In Quarter 2, The Enchanted Ozland dazzled audiences as the Grade R ballerinas stole hearts performing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Dressed in a colourful array of tulle, they brought the beloved classic to life with charm and grace.
Quarter 4’s concert, Peter's Adventures, was another delightful highlight, with our little Grade R ballerinas enchanting the audience in their pink and blue tutus during their Picnic with Peter Rabbit. Their graceful movements and joyful expressions captured the whimsy of the tale, spreading smiles and showcasing their love for dance. Both performances were truly magical moments to remember!
Excitement was in the air as our Dance department celebrated the recent success of our medal tests, ISTD exams in Tap and Modern, and RAD awards in Ballet. Across both the Preparatory and Secondary campuses, students demonstrated incredible dedication, discipline, and artistry, and danced to the best of their ability.
We are proud of their commitment and thrilled to see them shine on this important stage in their dance journey!
Our dancers shone brightly at the Stagebranch and Ballet Eisteddfod competitions, achieving remarkable success across various categories.
Category Winners:
Yara Arries - 7 years, Classical Ballet set.
Jean-Michelle de Blanche - 17 years and over, Classical Ballet set
Daniel Maclagen - 17 years and over, Classical Ballet (male)
Jean-Michelle de Blanche - 17 years and over, Modern
Across all solos, our dancers delivered performances to the best of their abilities, showcasing their hard work and gaining invaluable experience.
In the Preparatory section, our junior production Midnight and the Toyshop stole the show, featuring over 40 dancers excelling in ballet, modern, and tap. The production earned a Diploma, a first-place win, and high praise from the adjudicator.
This year has been filled with incredible performance opportunities for our dancers, allowing them to showcase their talent, dedication, and love for dance. Beyond their success in Eisteddfods, Medal Tests, Exams, and Productions, our dancers shone in a variety of special events throughout the year.
From heartwarming performances at the Preparatory Special Persons Day and captivating moments in the Secondary Dance Assembly to inspiring displays at the Preparatory Cultural Assembly and the Eisteddfod Showcase Assembly, each event highlighted their growth and artistry. Parent Watching Days provided a glimpse into their hard work and progress, while other showcases celebrated their creativity and passion.
These performances enriched the dancers’ experience, building confidence and creating lasting memories for both performers and audiences alike.
We are incredibly proud that three of our secondary dancers (Clara-Mari Vosloo, Ella Friellinghaus, and Alexa-Rose Schreuder) are members of the prestigious Cape Junior Ballet Company, recently showcasing their talent in the celebrated production Bloom. Our Parklands College dancers had the inspiring opportunity to watch and cheer on their peers, witnessing firsthand the dedication and artistry that these young dancers bring to the stage.
CJB photograph: Kim Stevens & John Day
As part of the Parklands College Enrichment Program, our Secondary dancers had the wonderful opportunity to attend Cape Town City Ballet's I Got Rhythm at the Artscape Theatre. This outing not only allowed students to experience the magic of live performance but also emphasized the importance of being exposed to professional theatre. Such experiences cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts, inspire creativity, and foster an understanding of the effort and artistry behind every production. It was a memorable day that reinforced the value of being both performers and appreciative audience members.
CTCB Photograph
We were thrilled to announce our very first Dance Captain, Sabrina Davids!
Sabrina, a Grade 11 dancer, was recognized for her exceptional dedication, commitment, and passion for dance. This new leadership role within our dance department will be awarded annually to a Grade 11 dancer who embodies these qualities and serves as an inspiration to their peers.
As Dance Captain, Sabrina took on responsibilities such as assisting with costumes and performance preparation, supporting younger dancers, and acting as a liaison between dancers and dance educators. She also played a key role in fostering a positive and collaborative environment within our dance community. Congratulations, Sabrina, on this well-deserved honor!
Each year, we proudly acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our dancers, celebrating not only their excellence in the arts but also their accomplishments in sports, service, leadership, and academics. We recognize the dedication and hard work that each dancer puts into their craft, and the awards serve as a testament to their well-rounded commitment.
All criteria for the awards are clearly outlined in the relevant awards criteria documents.
Certificate of Achievement in Culture - Dance:
Courtney Thyssen, Ardni Vera, Trinity Moila, Holly Bellinger, Yihan Olivia Huang, Lara Roux, Lela Demissew, Oyintando Bomela, Casey-Lee Kruger, Miriam Zemba, Sisipho Momoti, Ntandoyakhe Mziba, Kayla Odendaal, Sivangaye Mdebuka (Zimi), Hayley Taylor, and Demi Mc Culla
Medal of Excellence in Culture - Dance:
Kyla-Jade Thomas, Diyana Manga, Karena Li, and Yihan Angelina Dai
Trophy for Commitment and Perseverance - Dance
Kyla-Jade Thomas
Most Improved Dancer Award
Hope Diango
Roth Tap Trophy/ Tap Shield
Karena Li
Roth Ballet Trophy/ Ballet Shield
Yihan Dai
Roth Modern Dance Trophy/ Modern Dance Shield
Diyana Manga
Most Versatile Dancer Trophy
Kyla-Jade Thomas
Most Promising Dancer Trophy
Kyla-Jade Thomas
Usher Family Trophy for Culture
Karena Li
Certificate of Participation - Wizard of Oz (Dancers)
Prunelle Kipuya (Backstage), Courtney Millesskie, Viraya Pillay, Clara-Mari Vosloo, Logan De Araujo, Ella Frielinghaus, Sesona Mbovane, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Jenna Simpson, Jessica Hedgcock, Sujata Naidoo, Alexandra Bester, Jemma Boswell, Sabrina Davids, Julia Grasso, Andria Mannix, Talia Papadakos, Morgan Santo, Amy-Kate Wood, Paige De Araujo, Jean-Michelle De Blanche, Daniel Maclagan,Uminathi May, and Lauren Williams
Half Colours - Dance
Kayla Fundira, Kiana Naidoo, Courtney Milleskie, Viraya Pillay, Clara-Mari Vosloo, Logan De Araujo, Ella Frielinghaus, Sesona Mbovane, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Jenna Simpson, Jessica Hedgcock, Sujata Naidoo, Jemma Boswell, Julia Grasso, Khazimla Maguga, Talia Papadakos, Michaela Greyvensteyn, Tamlyn Greyvensteyn, and Sienna Schenk
Colours - Dance
Alexandra Bester, Sabrina Davids, Morgan Santo, Hannah Vachaudez, Paige De Araujo, Daniel Maclagan
Honours - Dance
Jean-Michelle De Blanche
T.E.S.A Palisade (S.A) Shield for Tap Dancing
Clara-Mari Vosloo
Trophy for Commitment and Perseverance in Dancing GET
Logan De Araujo, Ella Frielinghaus
Trophy for Commitment and Perseverance in Dancing FET
Paige De Araujo
Michelle Smal Trophy for Most Improved GET Dancer
Alexa-Rose Schreuder
Michelle Smal for Most Improved FET Dancer
Sabrina Davids
TAITA Engineering (SA) Shield for Ballet
Jean-Michelle De Blanche, and Daniel Maclagan
Sasha Hall Shield for Modern Dancing
Jean-Michelle De Blanche
We are proud to announce that many of our dancers have been selected for the 2025 Secondary Leadership Prefect Team, including Alexander Bester (Executive Head), Amber Stein (Houses) Amy-Kate Wood (Service), Sabrina Davids (Learner Integration), Julia Ligthelm (Service), Morgan Santo (Culture) and Talia Papadakos (Culture). This achievement is a testament to the leadership and life skills that dance fosters in our learners, empowering them to excel both in the studio and beyond.