Joyful Online Ballet Training: A New Pathway to DASA Major Exam Success

With her motto “despite obstacles and beyond restrictions”, Hestie Johnson has pioneered a new and exciting avenue for dancers across South Africa: online ballet training specifically designed to prepare students for the DASA Major Examinations—the essential gateway into the DASA Teacher Training Course.

2025 marked the first official trial year, during which six dancers courageously accepted the ONLINE CHALLENGE to train for the DASA Intermediate Ballet Exam entirely through virtual classes. This required an
exceptional level of maturity, discipline, and commitment from both teacher and students. Their outstanding results in the recent Major examinations have now proven what many thought impossible: online ballet training not only works—it delivers remarkable outcomes.

A heartfelt congratulations to this pioneering group of dancers: Nadia Britz, Robyn Dunn, Mbalenhle Mkhatshwa, Megg Geri, Megan Roux and Tembela Mgandela.

From Oudtshoorn to the southern suburbs of Cape Town, from Tembisa to Port Edward—this group was geographically scattered, yet united in purpose and passion. These dancers have not only excelled technically but have laid the foundation for a new model of training. Their success opens the door for future aspirant teachers who may live far from major centres, face time or travel limitations, or believe that circumstances stand in the way of pursuing their dance dreams. There is now a proven alternative—accessible, effective, and empowering.

To the dancers: thank you for your unwavering dedication, energy, perseverance, feedback, tears, laughter, and trust. You have made me immeasurably proud. This is only the beginning. Advanced 1, here we come!
I cannot wait to see each of you grow into confident, capable DASA teachers who will share the joy of ballet and contemporary dance within your communities. The future looks bright because of you.

What the dancers had to say
* Nadia Britz appreciated the clear, patient teaching and the value of the Cape Town and Pretoria Intensives.
* Megg Geri found the online format enriching, accessible, and well-structured.
* Robyn Dunn was impressed by how effectively Zoom allowed Hestie to observe detail and provide personalised feedback.
* Megan Roux, balancing two businesses in Cape Town, described online training as “one of the biggest blessings” of her DASA journey.
* Tembela Mgandela, a full-time working adult, valued the after-hours flexibility.
* Mbalenhle Mkhatshwa excelled throughout, inspiring her peers.
* Bokamoso Mogoane, completing matric, found online classes helpful once she could no longer train in person.