Moritšoane Creative Solutions is hosting the inaugural Open Itau International Dance Competition today at the Victory Convention Centre in Maseru, aimed at reviving and professionalising dance sport in Lesotho.
The founder of the organisation, Tlotliso Price, said the event, organised in partnership with Itau and Lesotho Milling Company, builds on last year’s local competition and marks a major step forward for the discipline.
“After noticing the decline of dance sport in the country, we decided to create a platform that could restore its vibrancy and encourage young people to take it seriously,” she said.
She noted that this year’s partnership with Itau has allowed Moritšoane Creative Solutions to elevate the competition to an international level.
She also indicated that that the growth of dance sport continues to be hindered by limited sponsorship and the financial burden placed on participants.
Price appealed to the corporate sector to recognise dance as a legitimate sport capable of transforming lives and communities.
“By investing in dance, we can build professionalism and create meaningful opportunities for talented Basotho,” she pointed out.
The competition will showcase a wide range of styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, amapiano, ballroom and Latin, and Pantsula, with dancers from Lesotho and neighbouring countries expected to compete.
Moritšoane Creative Solutions has also been running outreach programmes at schools such as St. Joseph High School, St. James High School, and Iketsetseng Primary and High School, providing dance lessons to promote physical education and grassroots development. Weekend community practice sessions are held at St. Joseph High School.
On the day of the competition, attendees can also take part in a raffle draw, with prizes including an air fryer sponsored by Puretech and a kettle from Kloppers Bloemfontein.
Winners will receive trophies and medals, with hopes that future editions will attract cash sponsorships.
Price said the long-term vision is to see the competition grow to an international standard that takes Basotho dancers to global stages.
“Our dream is to inspire local dancers to see dance as a career that can sustain them — not just as a hobby,” she added.
