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Monday, May 4, 2026

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS

Deadline for applications: June 29, 2026.

Applications now open for the 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform

Applications are officially open for the 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform for the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (August 24 - September 6), hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in Durban.

In a celebration of young talent, the much-loved YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS returns to the Stable Theatre, Durban, on Sunday August 30 at 2pm. This vibrant platform is a joyful, non-competitive space where dancers under 16 - across every dance style - come together to share, learn, and connect. From hip hop and pantsula to Zulu traditional dance, ballet, contemporary, and beyond, it’s a stage dedicated to honouring the next generation of movers and dance-makers.

Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of JOMBA!, says: "The YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform is one of the most joyful parts of our festival. This is where we see the spark of tomorrow’s dance-makers igniting on stage. To watch young dancers share their passion in a space that celebrates diversity and creativity is really inspiring. This is not just about performance; it’s about creating a dance community, nurturing confidence, and giving our young artists the chance to perform in front of a packed auditorium with an appreciative audience – it is truly life-changing.”

The festival is able to host 12 dance groups. Applications can be made on here: https://forms.gle/7EnrZzG7SXdawT6D6

The deadline for applications is June 29, 2026.

For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/