Eoan Group ballet students Emily Fortuin, 16, and Luca Oks, 13, are in the final stages of preparation for the 8th South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) a hybrid event taking place online and at Artscape, starting on World Ballet Day on Tuesday October 19 and ending on Saturday October 23 with a closing gala performance.
Luca, who lives in Rondebosch, says: “I’m excited but also nervous because this will be my first international competition. I am grateful for this opportunity because I can share the stage with so many talented dancers.”
Emily, from Plumstead, is equally excited, saying: “From a very young age I loved dancing and ballet in particular. As my journey continued through the years, my passion grew, I learnt new styles of dance and I knew this is what I wanted to do and that I was on the right path. Entering the South African International Ballet Competition has pushed me to work towards the goals I have set for myself and made me step outside of my comfort zone. I am very excited and grateful to have this opportunity.”
The entire competition and the gala performance can also be viewed online with tickets costing R70 each. Theatre seats cost from R100 to R250 via the ArtOfLife app that is available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store. To book via Computicket click https://bit.ly/39GwoSC (to watch online) and https://tickets.computicket.com/event/the_8th_saibc/7169948 (to watch at the theatre).