Online Reporter
DURBAN. — Two young dancers are set to jet off to the American Academy of Ballet (AAB) in New York for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train at one of the world’s most respected ballet programmes.
Senior: Mieke Bester, a pupil of Wendy Reinhardt from Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance, in Amanzimtoti, and Junior: Ella Berkeljon, a pupil of Celeste Barrow from Dance incorporated, in Underberg competed in the South African Performance Awards Competition held at the Hilton College Theatre, where they won a R7,500 cash prize that will go towards their travel costs.
Once at the AAB Summer School of Excellence, the girls’ tuition, accommodation, meals, and other expenses will be covered for one week.
Meanwhile, their teachers, Wendy Reinhardt and Celeste Barrow, have also been invited to attend the teachers’ programme at the Summer School in New York City.
If they are able to get to New York, the rest of their expenses will be paid for.
As per the competition, if the girls are unable to get to New York, they are welcome to invest the prize money into dance lessons or ballet gear, if they prefer. — IOL
