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SABOD COMPETITIONS
David John Michael Steyn, Chairperson of the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa Western Cape with SABOD Director Daphne Jubber
The South African Body of Dance (SABOD) proudly hosts some of the most prestigious dance competitions in the country. Our competitions offer an inclusive platform for dancers of all levels across various statuses including novice, amateur, championship and world trial circuit. All events are adjudicated by high-calibre, qualified judges, ensuring integrity and fairness.
Competitions take place across various provinces, giving dancers from all over the country the opportunity to compete, grow, and shine on a national stage.
AFFILIATIONS
Through its official affiliation with the International Dance Organisation (IDO), SABOD provides a pathway for South African dancers to some of the world’s most recognised dance championships. Dancers have the chance to qualify for national colours and represent South Africa at IDO World Championships—an honour that places them on the global stage among the world’s finest.Additionally, SABOD is affiliated to the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa, enabling qualifying dancers to earn their official provincial and national colours. This prestigious recognition not only marks outstanding achievement but also connects the dance community with the broader framework of national sports excellence.
TYPES OF COMPETITIONS
COMPETITIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
These include all statuses: novice, amateur, championship and WTC.
Dancers entering the novice and amateur statuses are adjudicated by one judge and receive a written report which gives valuable feedback to help dancers develop and improve their dance ability preparing them to move into championship and WTC status in the future.
At Championship and WTC level dancers are judged by three judges and are awarded placings. These statuses are aimed at experienced dancers more accustomed to a competitive dance environment and who compete regularly in national and international competitions.
SABOD Competitions and Championships are also Federation of Dance Sport South Africa Champions League qualifiers for dancers wanting to qualify for Nationals and/or World Championships.
DANCE FESTIVALS
SABOD recently introduced Dance Festivals to its competition offering. These events only include novice, amateur and championship statuses and are not qualifying competitions.
They serve as an opportunity for dancers to get valuable stage experience. All competitors receive a written report from the adjudicator/s.
inclusive dance - presenting a new era for sabod
In the interests of inclusivity and diversity SABOD will be introducing INCLUSIVE DANCE into its competitions. This is in line with the International Dance Organisation (IDO)’s mission to ensure that IDO Championships reflect modern society.
INCLUSIVE DANCE allows all dancers to compete regardless of any restrictions of physicality or cognitive impairment. It will be incorporated into all dance disciplines and will be open for solos, duos/trios, groups, and formations.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
COLOURS POLICY
PROVINCIAL COLOURS
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR PROVINCIAL COMPETITION
Provincial competitions are open to all athletes.
WTC Dancers must compete in at least two qualifying SABOD competitions (If a dancer competes in more than two qualifying events, the dancers top two scores will be used).
The top 10 dancers per age group/per style who have scored double digits will be invited to the SA national Championships. (Provided that the judges are in agreement).
SABOD will apply for Provincial Colours to the Sport Confederations of the various provinces provided that the judges deem the standard of the athlete’s work to be of a WTC standard.
Dancers who meet the above criteria will be invited to attend the SABOD National Championships.
Provincial colours will only be awarded to dancers who accept invitation to attend Nationals.
NATIONAL COLOURS
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR IDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dancers who have qualified for Provincial Colours will be invited to participate in the National Championship Event.
National Score and Team Selection:
As of 2026, only the National Competition Score will be used to determine selection for the official South African team.
Provincial or qualifier scores will not count towards national ranking.
Dancers selected at Nationals will form Team South Africa and will be eligible for international representation.
Awarding of Protea (South African) Colours:
A dancer will receive their official Protea Colours only if:
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They have been selected at the National Championship Event for Team South Africa
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They are traveling internationally to represent South Africa at an officially sanctioned World Championship.
Important SASCOC Requirement:
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Protea Colours may NOT be awarded to any dancer who is not traveling internationally. This rule is binding under SASCOC regulations
Withdrawal of Protea Colours:
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If a dancer is awarded Protea Colours and later chooses not to travel internationally, the following applies:
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Protea Colours will be withdrawn and nullified, as they no longer meet the SASCOC requirement of international representation and the dancer will be required to hand in/return their Protea Colours.
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This ensures compliance with national sports governance standards.
Please Note:
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Athletes that are not in possession of a South African ID document, may be a part of the South African team but will not be eligible to apply for SA National Colours.
COMPETITION INFORMATION
For more information on our competitions including entry fees, age categories, statuses, music, judging criteria and more can be found in the easy to download PDF Competition Guide pertaining to that competition.
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