Cape Town’s festive spirit is already shining bright with the launch of the city’s popular Amateur Dance-Off competition — the opening act in the countdown to the annual Festive Lights Switch-On.
Dance crews from across the city are showcasing their moves in the hope of performing on the main stage during the Switch-On celebration in December. The event, which attracts tens of thousands to the Grand Parade each year, marks the official start of Cape Town’s holiday season.
Organisers say the competition is about more than just dancing — it’s about community, creativity, and joy. Leading up to the big night, Capetonians can look forward to a series of festive activations including pop-up performances, light installations, and family-friendly events across the city.
The competition opens today, 1 October to amateur performers of any age, in groups ranging from two to a maximum of 10 dancers per entry.
Entrants must be based in Cape Town or the greater metropole.
Performances will be judged on creativity (30%), technical skill (25%), stage presence (25%), and connection to the 2025 Festive Lights Switch-On theme, United in Hope (20%).
‘Cape Town has an abundance of young talent, and the Move With Melody competition is a platform to celebrate and elevate that creativity. This is an opportunity for our young performers to shine, to be recognised, and to bring their artistry to one of the biggest stages in the city,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
How to Enter:
- Participants must upload a short video (one minute) of their performance to any of the following channels: TikTok, META platforms or WhatsApp on 076 179 7047
- To be considered, entries must tag @CTFestiveLights and include the hashtag #FLSODance2025
- Open to any amateur performers (non-professionals) in groups of two to 10 dancers
- Entries must reflect the theme: United in Hope
- All dance styles are welcomed – amapiano, hip-hop, breakdance, gwara-gwara or any other recognised dance form. Imagination is encouraged!
- As this is a family-focused event, all entries must be suitable for all ages, with no profanities
- Entries close at midnight on 9 November 2025.
A panel of creatives including award-winning dancers, teachers and choreographers Danny Jones and Jodie Jackson along with entertainer Lunga Tshuka will review submissions.
This independent panel of judges will score entries against the stipulated criteria, from which they will invite the top 10 finalists to compete, live, at the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre on Saturday, 15 November 2025 – everyone is invited to come and cheer them on.
Finalists must make their own way to the Waterfront venue, where the final dance-off will decide the top three winners, who will each receive cash prizes.
1st Place: R10 000, 2nd Place: R5 000 and 3rd Place: R2 500.
As an added bonus, these top three placed acts will also perform on the main stage at the Festive Lights Switch-On on 30 November, performing in front of thousands on the Grand Parade.
For more information on the Festive Lights Switch-On and news on other challenges and competitions that are running in celebration – go to the City of Cape Town’s website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/festive-lights-switch-on
Now’s your time to shimmy and shine Cape Town!
