YOUNG dancer Myah Proome achieved an outstanding result at the Cecchetti Mabel Ryan Awards for South Africa recently.

The Grade Eight learner at St Mary’s DSG was the recipient of the Mabel Ryan Award after competing against just 10 dancers who had qualified to participate in this event.

The Mabel Ryan Awards provide a platform for young ballet dancers to showcase their technical ability, artistry and dedication to Cecchetti classical ballet, while celebrating the high standard of ballet training taking place across SA.

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Myah started dancing in Baby Ballet classes when she was only a year old.

“I started dancing more regularly when I was three years and took part in competitions when I was five.”

She said she loves dancing because it gives people a way to express themselves physically and emotionally.

“It takes hard work and discipline. There are so many types of dance that you get to express yourself differently in different styles of dance. It keeps me healthy, active and strong.”

The 13-year-old said she has had many highlights in her dancing career, but three stick out the most.

“I had an opportunity to dance in Los Angeles in 2023. This year, I won the WLDF World Championship (in Dundee, Scotland) in the U14 Category. Then the most recent one, having the honour and privilege of being named as this year’s Mabel Ryan Award winner,” she said with pride.

She revealed that her next goal in dancing is to perform well at Move National Dance Competition in Cape Town at the end of September.

“I would also love the opportunity to perform in a dance production in the future.”

Awarded the winner of the Mabel Ryan Award was emotional for the local dancer.

“I know what a privilege it is to have even been named in the final 10 that got to audition again for the award, so I am overjoyed to have been selected. I set myself the goal of winning this award almost one year ago, when I met last year’s winner, and it was a goal that for much of the time I thought was out of reach.

“I have to thank Ms Michele and Miss Alex for all the hard work they put in to have all of us prepared for the exams, and then having faith in me to show what I am capable of during the final round of the award. I couldn’t have done this without both of them,” she said.

Michele Pope Studio principal Michele Pope said the result is a proud moment for both Myah and the studio.

“Myah has worked incredibly hard and has shown such commitment to her ballet. To see her take this award after qualifying alongside nine other talented dancers is a very special achievement,” said Pope.

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