Ballroom and Latin dancers make history at WADF All-Africa championship
Namibia’s Kari Rabie (15) and Amalia Nel (10) returned home with an impressive total of 11 gold medals, four silver medals and eight trophies following their outstanding performances at the WADF All-Africa Championships, hosted in Pretoria, South Africa.
Competing against dancers from 14 other African countries, Kari and Amalia delivered remarkable performances, showcasing their talent, determination and passion for dance.
As the only dancers representing Namibia, their achievements on an international stage were particularly significant for Namibian ballroom and Latin dancing.
Kari Rabie returned home with an exceptional six trophies. She secured first place in every section she entered, competing in American Smooth Ballroom, Standard Ballroom, Rhythm Latin and International Latin.
Kari then delivered a remarkable performance of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, interpreted through the cha-cha, earning an impressive 88% and another gold medal.
Rabie also went on to perform an outstanding Theatre Arts choreography, achieving an incredible 92% — the second-highest performance score of the day.
In addition to her trophy-winning performances, Rabie competed in seven single dances, earning five first-place and two second-place rankings. In these events, dancers receive rankings rather than individual medals or trophies, making her results another reflection of her consistency across different dance styles.
AMALIA NEL
Amalia Nel, at just 10 years old, returned home with two trophies after earning two gold medals and two silver medals across the four sections she entered.
In single dances, Nel achieved an impressive six first-place rankings, claiming the top position in every dance she entered.
Beyond their individual results, the two dancers received two prestigious overall awards based on their dresses and overall appearance. They were judged alongside competitors from all age categories.
Amalia was crowned Princess of Latin, winning the overall Rhythm section, while Kari received the title of Princess of Smooth for the American Smooth Ballroom category.
Adding a personal touch to Kari’s achievement, all her competition dresses were made by her mother, Jeanie Rabie. Her contribution reflects the time, creativity and family support that go into preparing a dancer for the international stage.
Bigger perspective
Despite struggling to secure first-place finishes in some local competitions, Kari and Amalia demonstrated their potential on the international stage. Their results in Pretoria offer a reminder that a dancer’s abilities cannot always be measured by the outcome of a single competition.
Different judging panels, competitive fields and performance opportunities can produce different results. For the two dancers, the championships provided an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities against competitors from across the continent, returning home with results that reflect their hard work and dedication.
The instructor
Behind these achievements stands their dedicated instructor and dance partner, Christie Mostert of Christie’s Dance Academy. His role extends beyond teaching dance steps and preparing routines. Supporting dancers who compete at an international level requires commitment, patience, guidance and a willingness to invest time in their development.
From the hours spent training to the preparation required for competition, an instructor’s influence can be an important part of helping young dancers build their skills, confidence and stage presence.
For Kari and Amalia, the work they put in with Mostert is an important part of their journey. Training on weekends and on most days of the week requires discipline from both the dancers and those guiding them. Consistency, dedication and a shared commitment to improvement are essential when preparing for competitions where dancers must perform across several styles and categories.
The relationship between an instructor and a dancer also involves trust, encouragement and the ability to keep working towards a goal when progress does not always come easily. Their international results highlight the importance of having someone who continues to guide and support them as they develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions.
The achievements in Pretoria are therefore not only a milestone for Kari and Amalia but also a meaningful moment for Christie’s Dance Academy.
Dedication
For Kari and Amalia, dancing is not simply a weekend activity or an occasional hobby. Training takes place on weekends and on most days of the week, requiring a significant commitment alongside their other responsibilities.
Preparing for an international competition also involves considerable logistical planning. Ballroom and Latin dancers must travel with the costumes, footwear and personal essentials required for their different performances. For this competition, that meant packing four or more dresses per dancer, as well as two to four pairs of dance shoes to accommodate the different styles and routines.
The dancers must also do their own hair and makeup, ensuring that their appearance complements each performance. With multiple routines, costume changes and different dance styles to consider, organisation and time management become just as important as the dancing itself. These demands offer a glimpse into the work required to compete internationally and the commitment needed before the dancers even step onto the floor.
How it started
For Kari Rabie, this journey began at the age of four, when she started ballroom and Latin dancing. By the age of seven, she had already competed in her first international competition.
Having participated in four international stage competitions, Kari continues to pursue her dream. This year marks her 11th year of dancing and her sixth year with Christie Mostert, reflecting the years of dedication and continued development that have brought her to this point.
Kari and Amalia have shown that setbacks do not have to define a dancer’s abilities and that continued dedication can open doors to new opportunities. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to other young Namibians who dream of pursuing their passions and competing internationally.
