Applications are officially open for the 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform for the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (24 August - 6 September), hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in Durban.
Pinetown Girls High Dance Group with choreography by Lettie Nzama at the 2025 JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons. Photo by Val Adamson
In a celebration of young talent the much-loved YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS returns to the Stable Theatre, Durban, on Sunday 30 August 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.
FLATFOOT's Project Hheshe Nsizwa (Umlazi) with choreography by Siseko Duba and Zinhle Nzama at the 2025 JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons. Photo by Val Adamson
"The YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform is one of the most joyful parts of our festival,” says Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of JOMBA! “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 29 June 2026.
For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/