Edenvale ballerina Chiara Szabó wins gold at SA ballet competition

Chiara Szabó (16) from Edenvale began her ballet journey at the age of four and hasn’t looked back.

A dedicated dancer, she has competed in the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) in Cape Town for the past three years, earning a silver medal in 2023 and a gold medal in 2024, along with two scholarship awards. She will compete again from July 28 to 31.

“I had it in my head from a very young age that I wanted to be a ballerina.

“My mom told me I had to wait until I turned four to start lessons, and on the morning of my fourth birthday, I marched into their bedroom and demanded ballet classes,” Chiara said.

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She trained for most of her childhood at Molfessis Studio of Dance under Penny Molfessis, who inspired her deep love for ballet.

“I am lucky to have grown up in such a nurturing ballet environment, as ballet can often be overly competitive, even toxic in some situations.

“For the first few years of my ballet training, I did not compete in any large competitions, and I feel that this helped me to realise early on that there is much more to ballet than simply winning medals and prizes.”

“I grew to love the stage at an early age, as I did not associate it with competition, but with performance.

“Dancing to bring the audience joy rather than to win a gold medal. That’s a pearl of wisdom Penny taught me that I will carry forever.”

Chiara’s passion for the stage blossomed early. At ten, she performed in Giselle with Joburg Ballet.

“It was my first taste of life in a ballet company. I even tried to learn the entire ballet in case an extra dancer was needed. I was very ambitious.

This was one of the most special moments of my childhood. It was from that point on that I knew I wanted to join a ballet company someday,” she said.

After Penny emigrated to London post-pandemic, Chiara moved to Carstens-Ireland Ballet School (CIBS) in Bedfordview, where she now trains under Natasha Ireland, Sandra Carstens, Anya Carstens, and Angela Revie.
“From 2022, I started training seriously, focusing on strength and technique.”

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In 2023, she won the prestigious Val Whyte Bursary, which opened the door to the Joburg Ballet Academy, the company’s pre-professional programme. She performed in Romeo and Juliet at just 14, en pointe alongside company members.

“It was intimidating but unforgettable. That opportunity solidified my dream to dance professionally.”

She has since performed in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Mario Gaglione, where she was cast in the solo role of the ‘Oompa Prima’.

Currently, Chiara trains six days a week for at least four hours a day, and more during competition season, covering ballet technique, contemporary, and Spanish dance.

“Balancing school with ballet is tough, but my academics are also a priority,” said the Assumption Convent School learner, who praised her school for being incredibly supportive.

Discipline and resilience are key.

“I’m very self-motivated, which can be a double-edged sword. I’ve had to learn it’s okay not to be perfect. Some days are better than others, and it’s important to listen to your body and rest when needed.”

She added, “I’m grateful for my ballet friends and supportive family. They help me through tough days. My biggest challenge is my mindset; I tend to overthink and get stuck in negative thoughts. I’m learning to stay optimistic yet realistic.”

Chiara credits the Bedfordview community and CIBS for being instrumental in her journey.

“The encouragement from my teachers, classmates, and school has made it possible for me to chase both academic and ballet goals.”

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Her aspirations include joining a professional company overseas, ideally the Royal Ballet.

“I recently achieved a High Distinction in my RAD Advanced 2 exam, qualifying me for the Fonteyn Competition next year.

“I also received a sponsorship to visit the Royal Ballet in London through the Dance Narrative Grande Nationale competition.”

Outside of ballet, Chiara has a strong interest in mathematics and computer science and hopes to study at university while dancing professionally.

To young dancers with dreams of going pro, she said, “Always remember why you dance – to share joy with your audience. Don’t get caught up in competition. Ballet is an art form, not a sport. Technique matters, but it’s your love for the art that will carry you through.”