Our triplets’ matric dance: a celebration of love, milestones, and inclusion

THE matric dance is always a big deal in any household - but in a home with triplet daughters, it’s an entirely different production. Triple the drama. Triple the dresses. Triple the glam and triple the emotional rollercoaster. Welcome to my home.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a joy and a privilege, but let me tell you, managing three matric pupils under one roof in the lead-up to dance night is like coordinating a royal wedding times three. Co-ordinating hair and makeup times, dress fittings and shopping for jewellery that brings the whole look together felt a bit like coordinating a circus.

And it didn’t end there.

Naven and I quickly realised that logistics were not on our side. Since we couldn’t possibly attend pre-drinks at three different venues, the solution was obvious: host the pre-drinks at our house. And so our house transformed into a red-carpet runway, complete with our big family, each of the girls' group of friends, proud parents, photographers and enough perfume in the air to rival a department store.

But underneath the chaos and the laughs, the night carried a much deeper meaning. The matric dance is one of the most highly-anticipated milestones in a pupil’s schooling career. It represents more than just a glamorous evening-it is a celebration of twelve years of perseverance, growth, friendships, and shared memories. And for us, this year’s matric dance was extra special because our triplets, Dashriya, Daneha, and Dayika, experienced it together in the most beautiful way. It was not only a moment of joy but also one that highlighted the power of inclusion and community.

In our home, three unique personalities preparing for one shared milestone made the excitement threefold. Each of the girls envisioned their evening in her own way, but together they leaned on each other through the planning and anticipation.

Dashriya and Daneha, both proud pupils of Danville Park Girls’ High School, had the support and excitement of their school community, with the traditions and spirit of Danville carrying them through the build-up. Danville has been an incredible space for them - uplifting, nurturing, and always championing their growth as young women ready to face the world.

But what truly touched our hearts was the way Dayika, who has been completing her matric through Teneo Online School, was embraced by Danville. They didn’t just invite her to the dance; they included her in everything, from the matric festivities to the celebrations, ensuring she was not left out of the joy of this rite of passage. This gesture of inclusion speaks volumes about the heart of the Danville community. It ensured that our triplets, despite different learning paths, could share in one of the most memorable rites of passage together.

For Dayika, being welcomed into the Danville matric experience meant more than attending an event - it was an affirmation that her journey, though unique, was equally valued. The laughter of classmates, the glitz of the evening, and the shared sense of belonging are things that cannot be taught in a classroom, yet they matter deeply to a pupil’s sense of identity and confidence.

Moments like these remind us that education is not only about academics, but also about building community, celebrating milestones, and recognising each child as a whole person. The matric dance stands as a symbolic transition, where pupils look back with gratitude at the journey behind them and forward with anticipation to the limitless possibilities ahead.

On the night itself, the air was filled with a mix of pride, nostalgia, and joy. As the girls twirled in their gowns, laughter spilling into the night, we couldn’t help but reflect on how far they had come. From their very first day of school to this moment of stepping out as confident young women, it felt like a full-circle journey. It was a reminder of the resilience, determination, and individuality that each of them carries, and of the importance of schools that nurture not just achievement, but also belonging.

The matric dance will always be remembered in our family not only for the glamour, but for the love, inclusion, and unity it represented. For our triplets, it was a celebration of their bond, their unique paths, and the kindness of a school that went above and beyond to ensure no pupil was left behind.

As parents, our hearts are full. This was more than a dance - it was a memory etched forever into the story of our daughters’ lives.

Losh Naidoo is an occupational therapist, make up artist, fashion designer, podcast host, fitness enthusiast, mental health activist and wellness girlie. She is on the Mommy Club Sugar & Spice on Showmax. Naidoo is married to orthopedic surgeon Naven Naidoo and is the proud mum to 17 year old triplet girls, Dashriya, Daneha and Dayika.

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