Dené Visser and Verdon Laws. Image: Supplied

Move over, Hollywood; the real star power this season belongs to the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Trading their study guides for sequins, the Caracals proved they are the absolute rulers of the dance floor, turning the national tournament into their personal victory lap. With universities from all over the country converging at the University of the Free State (OFS) for the love of dance at the USSA (University Sports South Africa) Games.

The USSA Games is not a single event but a series of championships held throughout the year. In 2026, major USSA tournaments took place between April and December, with peak activity from late June to early July when multiple sports championships were hosted across South Africa.

The UWC Dance Sport Club stole the spotlight at the 2026 USSA Dance Sport Championships, hosted by the University of the Free State. From the very first downbeat, it was clear that the UWC squad came to win. The team put on a masterclass in rhythm, elegance and pure showmanship, ultimately hauling in a jaw-dropping collection of silverware. 

When the dust finally settled on the dance floor, the Caracals walked away with 10 gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals. It turns out that hours of gruelling practice pay off, especially when you can hit a perfect samba roll on command.

Image: Supplied

Visser and her dance partner, Verdon Laws, went viral on social media during the competition. Visser said, “The competition has been a great experience for us. We managed to secure first place in the Adult Championship Ballroom section, and we're really proud of how far we've come. 

“This year's USSA Games were completely different because it was my first time leading a team as co-captain alongside Verdon. It was a big responsibility, but it was also an honour. Having Verdon by my side made the experience even better, and together we tried to lead by example both on and off the field. The competition's standard is very high, with every section competitive, so we had to stay focused and work hard throughout.

“Representing our team in this competition has meant a lot. It's given us the opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition, grow as players, and create great memories together. Competing at this level has also shown us the importance of teamwork, discipline and resilience,” she said.

Laws said all the hours of practice, along with some “very sore feet”, were definitely worth it.

“USSA is such a special competition. Even though we compete year-round, there’s something about USSA that just feels different. The atmosphere is electric. Everywhere there’s music, cheering, and people who are just as passionate about dancing as you are. It’s the kind of week where everyone speaks the same language, even if it’s through dance steps,” Laws said.

Image: Supplied

“The competition is definitely fierce. Every year, the standard gets higher, and this year was no exception. Everyone really brings their A-game, which keeps you on your toes, literally! But that’s one of the things I love most about it. Seeing such talented dancers is inspiring, and it motivates you to keep growing, work even harder, and leave everything on the dance floor. At the end of the day, it’s a celebration of the passion we all share for dance.”

During the competition, the versatility of the UWC dancers kept the judges spellbound. The squad danced their way into eight distinct grand finales, proving they are comfortable in a traditional ballroom frame. Whether it was the timeless elegance of the ballroom categories or the high-energy, technical precision of the Latin American divisions, UWC set a high standard.

But the real crowd-pleasers were the massive team events. UWC brought theatrical drama and synchronised perfection to the Team Match and the prestigious Main Formation League A. They turned up the heat with a sizzling, colourful Brazil-carnival-themed formation and brought cinematic flair to the American Show Dance category. To cap it all off, the dancers showed their gritty, modern edge by dominating the Street Dance and Street Dance Formation battles.

The weekend concluded with a gala dinner, where the team swapped their dance shoes for evening wear and proudly celebrated a legacy preserved. 

For a full look at the glittering highlights, victory photos, and behind-the-scenes magic, check out the official UWC Sport Facebook Page or click here for access to the UWC Sports Website.