WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship returns for landmark 4th edition |11 July 2026
Seychelles’ dancers are once again stepping into the spotlight as cultural ambassadors – proudly raising the national flag while showcasing the creativity, discipline, and determination of our young people.
The WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship is more than a stage; it is part of a growing movement to establish dance as both a serious art form and a competitive sport. It demands dedication, strength, teamwork, focus, and perseverance, while opening doors for young people to grow personally, gain international exposure, and build futures within the creative industry.
Now in its fourth edition, the Championship is bigger than ever – welcoming a record number of local participants alongside international dancers from Poland, Hungary, South Africa, and Botswana. It is a powerful signal that Seychelles is carving out a name for itself on the global artistic dance stage.
Behind the scenes, the 2026 Championship is driven by the WADF Seychelles National Working Group, uniting key institutions: the Ministry of Tourism & Culture (through the Department of Culture, Arts & National Heritage), the National Arts and Crafts Council, the Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC).
For this milestone edition, SNYC steps up as Youth Development Partner – a fitting recognition of dance’s power to empower young people and draw them into active participation.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of the Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, whose continued commitment to youth, culture, and the arts creates real opportunities for Seychellois talent to shine.
An event of this scale also relies on the generosity of dedicated partners and sponsors who understand the impact of dance on our youth and society. Sincere thanks go to the Children’s Fund, the National Arts and Culture Fund, Absa Seychelles, the embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Seychelles, the embassy of the Russian Federation in Seychelles, Spirit of Seychelles Craft Distillery, Evo-Build Limited, Artistic Dance Factory, and the many other private businesses and partners standing behind this initiative.
And behind every dancer stands a family. The WADF Seychelles National Working Group extends heartfelt appreciation to the parents and families who are the true backbone of every performer’s journey – their sacrifice, patience, and encouragement make every step possible.
Equal recognition goes to the tireless dance teachers, instructors, and choreographers who pour countless hours into training, guiding, and inspiring these young talents year-round – steadily raising the bar for Seychellois dance on both national and international stages.
The WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship is more than a competition; it is a celebration of passion, culture, talent, and unity. Year after year, it proves the power of dance to inspire, build confidence, forge friendships, and connect nations.
As our dancers share the stage with international performers, they carry with them the pride, creativity, and spirit of Seychelles.
Come out. Come support. Come celebrate. The public is invited to show up in force – cheer on our youth, celebrate their hard work, and watch them raise the Seychelles flag high through the power of dance.
Join us on July 18–19, 2026 at Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino for two unforgettable days of excitement, talent, and passion.
Come support our dancers. Come support our youth. Come celebrate Seychelles.
Contributed by WADF Seychelles National Working Group