Joburg Ballet Academy launches inaugural Debut Dancer Bursary Award

Previously known as the Val Whyte Bursary, the newly renamed Debut Dancer Award will see 10 finalists take to the stage under the guidance of acclaimed former Joburg Ballet principal dancer Nicole Ferreira-Dill. The event will feature a live class on stage as well as a full programme of performances, including a special showcase piece by Joburg Ballet.

The finalists, aged 13 to 14, were selected through auditions open to students trained in RAD, Cecchetti and other methods, from private studios across Gauteng.

The assessment process will begin on 21 May at Joburg Ballet Studios in Braamfontein, where candidates will participate in a class comprising barre, centre practice and solos, conducted by Ferreira-Dill with adjudicators in attendance.

The performance schedule at the Roodepoort Theatre is as follows:

• 23 May at 7pm – Centre practice and group number.
• 24 May at 2pm – Solo performances and group number.
• 24 May at 6pm – Final assessment, including centre practice and group number.

The performances will be followed by the announcement of the first-ever recipient of the Debut Dancer Bursary Award. In addition to the bursary presentations, the programme will include two works performed by Joburg Ballet Academy dancers: an excerpt from Giselle Act I, staged by Ferreira-Dill, and a contemporary piece titled Adrenalin Rush, choreographed by Charlie van Rooyen. The Joburg Junior Ballet will present May It Always Be Christmas, choreographed by Jo Bobrow, Tracey McNiven and Christine Sheperd.

Also featured are works by guest choreographers from private studios currently affiliated with the Academy, and a showcase item by Joburg Ballet.

Tickets to the events are available via Webtickets here.