Air France-KLM Helps Local Dancers Take Flight to World Championships

Air France-KLM continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting communities, arts, and culture in the regions it serves. With a long-standing belief in the power of connection — both through travel and meaningful local partnerships — the airline recently played a key role in helping a group of young South African dancers realise their dreams on the global stage.

As part of a fundraising initiative led by the Irish South African Association (Johannesburg Chapter), Air France-KLM sponsored two return economy-class tickets from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Europe. The proceeds from this raffle helped raise vital funds for a team of dancers from The Duncan Studio of Celtic Dance in Johannesburg, who are representing South Africa at the CLRG Irish Dance World Championships in Dublin this April.

Seven dancers, ranging from 13 years of age to adulthood, qualified for the prestigious week-long event after excelling at the South African National Championships in Johannesburg in September 2024. Their success was recognised by a panel of three international adjudicators. The 2025 Championships, taking place at The Convention Centre Dublin from 13 to 20 April, will bring together elite Irish dancers from around the world — including participants from as far afield as Australia — each of whom earned their place through rigorous national competitions.

In the months leading up to the event, the dancers, along with their teachers Sue Theron and Bernard van der Kuil, and a dedicated group of parents, embarked on a tireless fundraising journey to cover the significant costs associated with international travel and accommodation. The high cost of converting South African Rand to Euros presented a considerable barrier, particularly for families with limited financial means.

Through sheer determination, the dancers performed at a range of St Patrick’s Day events across Gauteng, sometimes dancing at multiple functions in a single day. Their spirited efforts captured the hearts of the community — and earned them the affectionate phrase: “they danced for their supper”.

A turning point in the fundraising efforts came with the success of a raffle coordinated by Lorraine Keenan, a SATSA member and representative of the Irish South African Association, Johannesburg Chapter. Featuring a line-up of highly sought-after prizes, the raffle was met with enthusiastic support and generated record-breaking funds — more than in any previous year. The generosity shown by the community exceeded all expectations.

Among the prizes were the two return Air France-KLM tickets to Europe, which were won by Anton van Wyk. In a touching gesture, Anton selected ticket number 15 — the date of his wedding anniversary — and he and his partner plan to use the tickets to travel to Ireland in August to visit family and celebrate their special milestone.

The Duncan Studio has expressed its sincere gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and community members who helped make this trip possible.

SATSA is grateful to partner with Air France-KLM and thank them for their contribution to this inspirational journey — a celebration of cultural connection, community spirit, and the transformative power of travel.