International ballet showcase comes to Hilton College Theatre
The public is invited to watch a thrilling, high-stakes afternoon of top aspiring ballet dancers showcasing their skills in a competition format.
Ballet fans – plan a drive to Hilton this weekend as Hilton College Theatre has the huge honour of hosting the South African Performance Awards Competition on behalf of the American Academy of Ballet (AAB), a New York-based global ballet organisation that co-ordinates and hosts auditions and Performance Awards events all over the world. This comes to the Hilton College Theatre for the first time on Saturday, March 28, from 1pm.
The public is invited to watch a thrilling, high-stakes afternoon of top aspiring ballet dancers showcasing their skills in a competition format.
There are two sessions – one for junior and one for senior dancers. Both sessions start with a class taken by Karen Beukes, former artistic director of Joburg Ballet AD, followed by a carefully curated competition format dance showcase.
Approximately 20 dancers will participate, many from KZN but also from further afield. Dancers will perform choreographed routines before judges as a means of boosting their technique, artistry, and confidence, and have proven to be an extraordinary way to inspire, train and motivate dancers to improve while truly enjoying ballet.
The AAB Performance Awards Competition is open to all ballet teachers and their students. The dancer and teacher may decide the most appropriate level for entry, and each dancer must perform the solo variation for the level they select. The judge for the day is Knysna-based Sidwell Roman, supported by Iain Macdonald, who represents AAB in South Africa, and is the former artistic director of Joburg Ballet.
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There are cash prizes for the best dancers.
The American Academy of Ballet, located in New York, is an exceptional ballet company renowned for its top-notch ballet instruction. The American Academy of Ballet offers world-class dance training and performance opportunities. Its mission is to provide rigorous and inspiring ballet education to prepare students for professional careers. Long recognised as one of the premier ballet training institutions in the United States, the AAB is particularly renowned for its Summer School of Excellence taking place in July. Its international faculty boasts teachers drawn from prestigious ballet institutions such as the Paris Opera Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School in Antwerp, the New York City Ballet and from South Africa, Iain Macdonald.
Established by the visionary South African trailblazer in the world of ballet education, Mignon Furman, in the early 90s, the prestigious Performance Awards programme offers aspiring dancers from around the world the opportunity to refine their skills in a focused, supportive environment.
“We invite dancers to be part of an international ballet event celebrated worldwide and to earn medals, certificates, and personalised feedback as well as experience the joy of performing in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere to build confidence, artistry, and lifelong memories,” shared Laurence Kaplan, the son of Mignon Furman and the AAB executive director.
Every dancer deserves their moment – and in Hilton, that moment awaits. “Join us for an afternoon that celebrates passion, progress, and performance — and maybe your journey will continue all the way to New York City! We look forward to a wonderful competition filled with talent, growth and inspiration,” Kaplan said.
Tickets are in the form of a day-pass allowing access to the auditorium throughout the day. For more information, send an email to [email protected] or visit www.americanacademyofballet.com
