11 NOVEMBER 2024 – STORY TAYRON MHLONGO. PHOTO VUT
Meet Lethabo Mashego, a second-year Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Fine Art student, who is making waves in the world of Latin and American ballroom dancing.
From the scenic town of Graskop, Mpumalanga, Lethabo’s passion for dance began at a young age and was sparked by watching shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. A proud member of the VUT Dance Sports Club, her journey has seen her compete in some of the most prestigious dance competitions in the country. Notably, she participated in the renowned Rumba in the Jungle and the Federation of Dance Championship South Africa, where she recently secured an impressive second place in the Latin category for her section in Level 1.
Reflecting on her experience at the Federation of Dance Championship, she expressed that this competition was meaningful. She advanced through the rounds, from the quarterfinals to the semi-finals, eventually earning a spot in the finals where she proudly claimed second place. “The journey from the quarterfinals to the finals was challenging but rewarding. Finishing in second place felt like a dream come true,” she shared.
Being part of these competitions has brought her one step closer to realizing her dream of excelling in dance. As she looks ahead, she is determined to move beyond her current level and reach new heights in the dance world while still at VUT.
However, Lethabo’s ambitions do not end with dance. After her time at VUT, she plans to pursue a career in Art Curation. Her passion for the arts, combined with her love for dance, has inspired her to give back to her community by potentially training young children in ballroom and Latin dancing.
With her recent successes and unshakable dedication, Lethabo Mashego is confident to shine both on the dance floor and in her future artistic endeavors.