Celebrating all things ballet today

ON World Ballet Day today, the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC), is set to officially kick off its 8th edition week-long festival at Artscape live in Cape Town.

The organisation, supported by the City, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the Joan St Leger Lindbergh Charitable Trust, and in association with Artscape, will be hosting its first hybrid event, facilitating digital and physical entries, since its inception in 2008.

SAIBC spokesperson Allison Foat said: “World Ballet Day is a collaboration between 50 professional ballet companies around the world that gives an insider’s view of what goes on behind the scenes at work. SAIBC is a platform for young, talented dancers to be spotted by the illustrious panel, some of whom head up prestigious ballet companies and training academies.

“This year, we have not only recorded the highest number of entrants ever, but our jury will represent every continent.

“About 180 dancers will be taking advantage of the chance to be seen by our outstanding panel, which comprises some of the best ballet companies, academies and training institutions in the world. The majority of the dancers have submitted video entries, however, 70 entrants will be competing on stage at the Artscape Opera House.

“We are so excited for this weeklong ballet festival, and even more so for the dancers, who stand a chance to win top prizes, including access to summer intensive programmes, internships and scholarships to the finest facilities,” said Foat.

For the festival, SAIBC has also unveiled a new novice category for entrants aged 6 to 8 years old, from Africa only. SAIBC founder and chief executive Dirk Badenhorst said the organisation was looking to identify young talent and help connect these dancers from various African countries with excellent ballet schools and assist them with introductions into the international arena.

“SAIBC has always been about using ballet as a platform for diplomacy and as a means to connect dancers, teachers and coaches as much as possible,” said Badenhorst.

The other categories are scholars age 9 to 11, juniors age 12 to 15 and seniors age 16 to 19.

Mayor Dan Plato said: “We are proud to host and support the South African Ballet International Ballet Competition. Partnering with the SAIBC is also one of the many avenues in which the City provides support to the performing arts, and we are looking forward to hosting these talented performers in our beautiful city.”

The SAIBC starts today at 5pm and closes with what promises to be a stunning gala at 7pm on Saturday.