MBABANE – In a remarkable display of grit and grace, Eswatini’s emerging stars of acrobatic dance have thrust the African kingdom onto the global stage.
On November 23, 2025, the team wrapped up their inaugural appearance at the 2025 World Federation of Acrobatic Dances and Dance Sport (WFADS) Rock’n’Roll and Acro Swing World Cup in Russia.
What began as a nerve-wracking voyage across continents has swiftly evolved into a springboard for future triumphs, with the trio now invited to dazzle audiences in Abu Dhabi next month.
For the uninitiated, acrobatic Rock’n’Roll and Acro Swing are high-octane disciplines that fuse the rhythmic swing of partner dancing with breath-taking aerial flips, lifts and synchronised spins.
It is a world where athleticism meets artistry, demanding not just technical precision but an unshakeable partnership under the glare of international spotlights.
Eswatini, a nation more renowned for its sweeping savannahs and vibrant cultural festivals than competitive dance circuits, entered this arena as relative newcomer.
Yet, their performance has already rippled through the WFADS community, earning them a coveted spot at the upcoming World Championship in the UAE’s glittering capital. Precise dates for the December event are still under wraps, but anticipation is building.
At the heart of this breakthrough are Gugu Lukhele, Nothando Makhanya and Welcome Mavoka, a dynamic trio whose debut in Russia marked a milestone for their homeland.
Coached by some of the sharpest minds in the field, they stepped onto the floor with a mix of exhilaration and trepidation.
Sisekelo Dlamini, one of Eswatini’s most seasoned coaches in the discipline, captured the moment vividly.
“The team travelled to Russia for the 2025 WFADS Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll World Cup. They were both thrilled and somewhat anxious about the journey as it was their first time performing at such a stage,” he noted.
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