Arbor Primary Swan to represent SA in Switzerland
She needs financial assistance to attend the festival.
Local ballerina Simnikiwe Siphelele Fakude (13) is looking forward to making South Africa proud at the inaugural Mzansi Ballet and Ticino Sounds Festival in Switzerland.
Fakude and her Mzansi Ballet counterparts will perform in the first edition of the festival at the Palazzo dei Congressi Lugano from June 30 to July 6.
Organised by LDS Luxury Dream Services, the festival is the brainchild of Mzansi Ballet founder Dirk Badenhorst and musician Gregorio di Trapani, who is a member of the Lugano Percussion Ensemble.
The week-long event blends classical ballet with African rhythms and storytelling, and Fakude is looking forward to this life-changing experience.
“Going overseas is such a life-changing experience, especially for a 13-year-old. Everyone at Mzansi Dance and I are so excited to travel to Switzerland to perform and proudly represent South Africa,” she said.
The festival will open up “cool professional opportunities,” the Grade Seven learner said.
“Meeting international audiences and other dancers will definitely help shape my future goals. This journey will really broaden my artistic identity. I’ll learn so much about international ballet, see new art, and get inspired by Switzerland’s amazing culture. I believe this is crucial for any dancer.
“Performing on a global stage at my age is a unique experience that helps build my profile.”
She started dancing at the age of 11. Ballet became her sanctuary after losing her mother during the height of Covid-19. With every plié and pirouette, she’s danced her way through grief and grown into a young dancer full of hope and resilience.
Though she started dancing later than many, her hard work and determination speak volumes. From placing second in her first eisteddfod to being selected for the nationals and now Switzerland, the youngster has proven that love and belief can take you far.
“Stepping into a new environment will make me more independent and confident as a person. Experiencing a different culture will teach me a lot about the world. Plus, representing our country is a huge honour that will boost my personal growth,” said Fakude.
To realise this dream, the ballerina urgently needs around R50 000 to cover travel and accommodation costs to Switzerland.
To help make her dream a reality, you can make a donation to Simnikiwe Siphelele, Fakude FNB, account number 63146267968 and reference (your name).
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