Janelle Jets Off to Orlando in 2027 for her next Successful Dance Move

At 16, ballet dancer Janelle Brooks has won three top awards at nationals and is preparing to represent South Africa in Orlando in 2027. Her biggest lesson? Keep going and never give up. Everything will come in its season.

Janelle Brooks started ballet young

Janelle Rochelle Brooks was three years old when she started ballet. She was 10 when she began competing. Now, at 16, the dancer from Bronville in Welkom is getting ready to take her talent to Disney World. Her journey there has been anything but a quick leap.

Winning awards for Janelle

At this year’s South Africa Dance, Talent and Model Association (D.T.M.A.) nationals, she won three first places and, for the first time, three overall awards. This blossoming ballerina was also named the best performer across three groups. And, she received her South African National Colours for the third year in a row. “When I heard the results, I was overjoyed,” said the smiling dancer. It made me excited to see what the future holds,” she explained.

What the future holds

That future includes a place on the South African team heading to Disney World in Orlando, USA, in 2027. Janelle has also been selected for a South African Elite Team aboard the MSC. She first represented South Africa on the MSC at 14, and this will be her third opportunity to represent her country.

It took years of hard work and sacrifice to reach this level.

Consistency is key

She practices four times a week, increasing to six during competition season. Competition rehearsals can stretch to four or five hours a day. She earned her Free State colours at 13 and has won competitions along the way, yet this weekend’s awards marked a new high.
“I’ve been competing since I was 10, and it’s taken years to finally reach this point,” said Janelle.

She advised: “That’s why I tell other young people to chase their dreams and never give up.”

A good support structure

She has not travelled the journey alone. Janelle says her coach, Amanda Matthysen, has taught her and encouraged her since she was three. Her parents have made the trips to dance classes possible, paid the costs of competitions and have been there to support her every step of the way. The Welkom Academy of Excellence, where Janelle goes to school, has also been tremendously supportive.

“I love what I do,” Janelle says.

“When you love something, you want to keep working at it.”

Next stop: Orlando.

Janelle waited years for this moment.

Now she gets to dance right into it.

Send us your story.