Help Kempton Park dancer make her way to Switzerland

Ofentse Bolelwang, known as ‘The Black Swan’, is a gifted young dancer from Kempton Park set to leave a mark on the global ballet stage.

As a dedicated student with Mzansi Ballet and The Nations Ballet, Ofentse was invited to perform at The Golden Rhino of Mapungubwe in Lugano, Switzerland, this June.

“I was completely overjoyed and could not believe it was real when I received the invitation,” she said.

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“I was at home, just finishing my ballet practice. My mom handed me the letter with a big smile on her face. As I opened it and read the words, I felt a rush of emotions,” Ofentse continued.

“My heart was racing, and I felt like floating on air. It was an incredible feeling to know my hard work and dedication had led to this amazing opportunity.”

Ofentse expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her family, teachers, and friends, saying, “I felt so proud and grateful.

“This invitation means the world to me, and I cannot wait to perform on that grand stage in Switzerland. It is a dream come true.”

She believes the experience will significantly enhance her growth as a dancer by allowing her to learn from some of the best in the world.

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From a young age, Bolelwang demonstrated a natural talent for ballet. She began formal training at six years old at Born to Dance Studio in Glen Marais, Kempton Park, where they nurtured her craft.

Not only is Ofentse dedicated and graceful, but a trailblazer in her community.

Alongside her ballet training, she excels academically, consistently earning top marks at school. As a media prefect, she skilfully balances her responsibilities at a young age.

Ofentse has also made a difference in her community. Recently, she participated in an event organised by Mzansi Ballet, where she donated ballet shoes to young dancers at Reshomile Primary School in Diepsloot.

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Ofentse has graced some of South Africa’s most prestigious stages, achieving these milestones:

• Winner of the East Rand Dance Festival (2018)• SABOD Champion (2019)
• Gold Reef Lyric Theatre (2021)
• WLDF Competition Champion (2022)
• Pieter Toerien – Monte Casino (2023)
• Nominated for Dancer of the Year (2023 & 2024)
• Secured fourth place at the SAIBC competition

Despite the demanding schedule, Ofentse commutes from Kempton Park to Fourways for Mzansi Ballet classes, using the travel time to do homework or study for exams.

She attributes her success to the support of her community and believes in the importance of giving back.

“My ballet journey has taught me dedication, hard work, and belief in oneself are key to success. By supporting each other, we can overcome challenges and reach new heights,” she said.

She encourages young dancers to believe in themselves and rely on their community for support: “Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Ofentse’s dream is to become a professional ballerina who inspires others, especially young girls from her community.

“I want to show them even if something seems like a dream, it can become a reality with hard work and passion,” she added.

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Ofentse’s mother, Phindile Bolelwang, always recognised her daughter’s natural talent for art, especially her suitability for ballet.

She recalls being encouraged by comments from Ofentse’s nursery school teachers and finding a ballet school nearby in Kempton Park.

Though challenging at first, the Born to Dance teachers helped Ofentse transition smoothly into the world of ballet.

Phindile is optimistic about the impact of her daughter’s international performance, saying, “Participating in an international performance will have a tremendous impact on her growth as a dancer. It will expose her to diverse styles and techniques, helping her become a more versatile and skilled performer.”

“This experience will also boost her confidence and provide invaluable learning opportunities from some of the best dancers in the world,” Phindile added.

“We are grateful for this chance; it represents a significant learning curve for Ofentse. It will enhance her technical abilities and broaden her cultural understanding and appreciation for ballet.”

Ofentse’s journey is just beginning, and she needs support to make this opportunity a reality.

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To support Ofentse’s trip to Switzerland, residents can contact Phindile Bolelwang on 084 709 8912 or visit Ofentse’s BackaBuddy page by searching Ofentse’s Swiss Ballet Odyssey.

Mzansi Ballet head coach, Angela Revie, also expressed her excitement for Ofentse’s upcoming performance.

“Exposure to diverse styles, networking with renowned artists, and experiencing different cultures will enrich her artistry and confidence.

“This experience will inspire her and serve as a beacon of possibility for other young girls.

“With consistent training, performance opportunities, and unwavering support, Ofentse is on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a principal dancer.”