Cape Town teen Peyton dances her way to Gold at Dance World Cup

CAPE Town teen Peyton Connor, 15, has the best dance moves in the world. 

Peyton and her teammates beat out thousands of dancers from more than 60 countries to make their mark at the 2025 Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. 

Although previously selected for the South African national team several times, this was her first opportunity to compete internationally, made possible through the generous support of fellow South Africans who helped her get there. 

Representing Team South Africa, Peyton, a dancer from the K and J Dance Studio, took home first place in the Senior Large Group Commercial category. She also placed second in the Junior Large Group Commercial and received a coveted Golden Ticket to an elite masterclass after finishing fourth in the Junior Commercial Solo.

“It was a great experience. The highlight for me was getting Gold. After I danced for this one group, I was in pain and I had to go to the first aid room. I was backstage before going to the first aid room and I heard everyone screaming and happy. I felt really good about it, I felt like I really deserved that gold,” said Peyton. 

On her passion for dance she said: “Dancing is coming into a group with people that you love and sharing a talent and sharing a hobby that you all have and having a connection with everyone you dance with.”

The feat however did not come easy, with daily practices even through school holidays. 

She encouraged other young people, “if you want to do well, just be confident and dance like nobody’s watching”. 

Her mother Robyn Connor said they received widespread support to make the trip possible. 

“We sold baked goods, hosted quiz evenings and ran monthly raffles. Local businesses and restaurants donated vouchers and prizes. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to hold raffles every month to raise funds.

“Survé Philanthropies gave us a very generous donation of R10,000. That money was heaven-sent. We were stranded for one night. IOL had published an article about Peyton, and my contact details were included. They saw the article, called me, and about two weeks later came back with that donation. We were very lucky.” 

She was “incredibly proud” of her daughter and team's achievement, Connor said. 

“I checked the stats, there were well into the thousands of competitors. The category ran the whole day, and even just placing in the top six would have been a huge achievement. So to win? We were over the moon. They played the South African anthem, parents were running around with flags, seeing the auditorium and feeling the energy in that space was just amazing. They train all week. She comes home around 9pm most nights. During competition season, they train through the school holidays and on weekdays. It’s not just talent it’s also dedication, hard work, sweat and tears.”

Cape Times