For two years, Samantha Majiedt immersed herself in a diverse world of dance during a scholarship at the United World College in Singapore 2021 – 2023.
This unique educational institution is part of a network of 18 United World Colleges spanning four continents. The first UWC was founded in Wales in 1962 by German educator Kurt Hahn, who believed in the power of education to foster peace, a vision that emerged during the tumultuous Second World War. Hahn’s dream was to bring together 16-19-year-olds from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, uniting them through education to promote intercultural understanding and work towards a peaceful and sustainable future.
In 1980, the first Namibian cohort was selected for scholarships to UWC, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for bright young Namibian minds. These individuals, shaped by the international and intercultural UWC educational experience, have gone on to become leaders in various industries. Notable alumni include Namibian Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Albertus Aochamub, former Chairman of the National Arts Council of Namibia and International Consultant Patrick Sam, Youth Leader and Television Talent Bertha Tobias, and renowned Namibian dancer Nikhita Winkler.
It may not be common to think of dancers as global leaders, but Samantha Majiedt is indeed a rising global leader, her confidence fueled by her passion for dance.
Samantha’s journey into the world of dance began when she was just 7 years old, starting with ballet. Throughout her dance training in Namibia, she was primarily exposed to Eurocentric techniques. It’s only recently that her dance horizons expanded, leading her to discover dances that reflect her mixed-race Namibian identity. During our interview, she emphasized the importance of delving into the history of each dance style as her pantsula teacher Xallamo taught her at the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre. This knowledge has deepened her love for dance and instilled in her a stronger sense of pride in her Namibian heritage, empowering her to share her dance experiences with others.
Samantha is a former student of the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre, where she first learned about UWC. Following in the footsteps of her dance mentor, Nikhita Winkler, she pursued her passion for dance through the UWC experience, and is about to start her undergraduate degree at Skidmore College where Nikhita graduated with honors in dance in 2015.
Moving from her dance education in Namibia to the global stage was an eye-opening and daunting experience, as Samantha describes it. She wasn’t sure if she would measure up, but she quickly found comfort in the shared passion for dance that united her with fellow students. In this new environment, she made friends who, like her, valued diversity and were not driven by competition.
During Samantha’s two years at UWC Singapore, the dance department represented a rich tapestry of international dance forms. She contributed her knowledge of African dance and leadership skills to the department, introducing traditional Namibian dance and pantsula techniques she had learned at the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre. Together with her peers, she co-produced a UN Night dance show that showcased both modern and traditional African cultural dances, offering a fresh perspective on African culture to the audience. Samantha noted, “The diversity in dance backgrounds created fertile ground for innovative ideas, collaborations, choreographies, and productions.” She further explained that diversity piqued curiosity within the group, sparking an interest in the history and origins of each dancer’s unique style, making each dance a narrative of its own. Using dance as a bridge, Samantha and her peers not only told new stories but also connected with people from various cultures.
One of Samantha’s most significant achievements at UWC was delivering her first TEDxTalk. She proudly used this platform to address African stereotypes in Singapore, shedding light on the misconceptions prevalent in this international community. Samantha encourages us all to take on the responsibility of educating others wherever we are.
In a world teeming with diversity, Samantha’s advice is clear: “The best person you can be is yourself, and dance is an expression of who you are. Dance is a powerful tool for impacting our communities by helping us understand our history and culture through movement.” She urges parents to expose their children to a wide range of dance classes and workshops, just as they would encourage their children to explore athletics. Samantha advises parents to “teach your child about their origins, show them what it means to be Namibian, and instill a sense of pride in their roots. Make it enjoyable so that your children can embrace it fully. Show them the beauty of their cultural dances, how these dances have united people, and the uniqueness that stems from their cultural heritage.” This is what sets Nikhita Winkler apart in the world; this is what distinguishes Samantha Majiedt; this is how any Namibian can shine on the global stage, by embracing their authenticity and celebrating their unique culture and identity.
On August 27th, Samantha will embark on a scholarship journey to the United States, where she will study a double major in Dance and Business (for now). Samantha has a wide range of interests, but above all, she is passionate about helping people and believes in the therapeutic power of dance.
Like many artists, Samantha faced doubts from family members who questioned whether dance could truly lead to success, especially given her opportunity to explore the world. “When so many people doubt your dreams and passion, it’s easy to consider leaving your passion behind,” Samantha reflects. “I wish I could tell every Namibian to hold onto their passion, no matter what. You can always turn your passion into your profession. If your family doesn’t support you, find a community that does and can open doors for you. Don’t let go. As long as you stay committed to your path, every step will open doors and keep you moving forward.”
For more information on the United World College opportunities 2024 for Namibian students in grade 10 -12, visit www.na.uwc.org
For two years, Samantha Majiedt immersed herself in a diverse world of dance during a scholarship at the United World College in Singapore 2021 – 2023.
This unique educational institution is part of a network of 18 United World Colleges spanning four continents. The first UWC was founded in Wales in 1962 by German educator Kurt Hahn, who believed in the power of education to foster peace, a vision that emerged during the tumultuous Second World War. Hahn’s dream was to bring together 16-19-year-olds from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, uniting them through education to promote intercultural understanding and work towards a peaceful and sustainable future.
In 1980, the first Namibian cohort was selected for scholarships to UWC, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for bright young Namibian minds. These individuals, shaped by the international and intercultural UWC educational experience, have gone on to become leaders in various industries. Notable alumni include Namibian Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Albertus Aochamub, former Chairman of the National Arts Council of Namibia and International Consultant Patrick Sam, Youth Leader and Television Talent Bertha Tobias, and renowned Namibian dancer Nikhita Winkler.
It may not be common to think of dancers as global leaders, but Samantha Majiedt is indeed a rising global leader, her confidence fueled by her passion for dance.
Samantha’s journey into the world of dance began when she was just 7 years old, starting with ballet. Throughout her dance training in Namibia, she was primarily exposed to Eurocentric techniques. It’s only recently that her dance horizons expanded, leading her to discover dances that reflect her mixed-race Namibian identity. During our interview, she emphasized the importance of delving into the history of each dance style as her pantsula teacher Xallamo taught her at the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre. This knowledge has deepened her love for dance and instilled in her a stronger sense of pride in her Namibian heritage, empowering her to share her dance experiences with others.
Samantha is a former student of the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre, where she first learned about UWC. Following in the footsteps of her dance mentor, Nikhita Winkler, she pursued her passion for dance through the UWC experience, and is about to start her undergraduate degree at Skidmore College where Nikhita graduated with honors in dance in 2015.
Moving from her dance education in Namibia to the global stage was an eye-opening and daunting experience, as Samantha describes it. She wasn’t sure if she would measure up, but she quickly found comfort in the shared passion for dance that united her with fellow students. In this new environment, she made friends who, like her, valued diversity and were not driven by competition.
During Samantha’s two years at UWC Singapore, the dance department represented a rich tapestry of international dance forms. She contributed her knowledge of African dance and leadership skills to the department, introducing traditional Namibian dance and pantsula techniques she had learned at the Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre. Together with her peers, she co-produced a UN Night dance show that showcased both modern and traditional African cultural dances, offering a fresh perspective on African culture to the audience. Samantha noted, “The diversity in dance backgrounds created fertile ground for innovative ideas, collaborations, choreographies, and productions.” She further explained that diversity piqued curiosity within the group, sparking an interest in the history and origins of each dancer’s unique style, making each dance a narrative of its own. Using dance as a bridge, Samantha and her peers not only told new stories but also connected with people from various cultures.
One of Samantha’s most significant achievements at UWC was delivering her first TEDxTalk. She proudly used this platform to address African stereotypes in Singapore, shedding light on the misconceptions prevalent in this international community. Samantha encourages us all to take on the responsibility of educating others wherever we are.
In a world teeming with diversity, Samantha’s advice is clear: “The best person you can be is yourself, and dance is an expression of who you are. Dance is a powerful tool for impacting our communities by helping us understand our history and culture through movement.” She urges parents to expose their children to a wide range of dance classes and workshops, just as they would encourage their children to explore athletics. Samantha advises parents to “teach your child about their origins, show them what it means to be Namibian, and instill a sense of pride in their roots. Make it enjoyable so that your children can embrace it fully. Show them the beauty of their cultural dances, how these dances have united people, and the uniqueness that stems from their cultural heritage.” This is what sets Nikhita Winkler apart in the world; this is what distinguishes Samantha Majiedt; this is how any Namibian can shine on the global stage, by embracing their authenticity and celebrating their unique culture and identity.
On August 27th, Samantha will embark on a scholarship journey to the United States, where she will study a double major in Dance and Business (for now). Samantha has a wide range of interests, but above all, she is passionate about helping people and believes in the therapeutic power of dance.
Like many artists, Samantha faced doubts from family members who questioned whether dance could truly lead to success, especially given her opportunity to explore the world. “When so many people doubt your dreams and passion, it’s easy to consider leaving your passion behind,” Samantha reflects. “I wish I could tell every Namibian to hold onto their passion, no matter what. You can always turn your passion into your profession. If your family doesn’t support you, find a community that does and can open doors for you. Don’t let go. As long as you stay committed to your path, every step will open doors and keep you moving forward.”
For more information on the United World College opportunities 2024 for Namibian students in grade 10 -12, visit www.na.uwc.org
