Birchleigh’s ‘Black Swan’ makes mark at international ballet competition

At just 13 years old, Ofentse Bolelwang, known as ‘The Black Swan’, is proving that age is no barrier to talent, determination and big dreams.

The young dancer from Mzansi Ballet in Fourways recently competed at the 13th South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC).

Competing in the Junior Division for dancers aged 13 to 15, Bolelwang faced an added challenge as it was her first time performing on pointe shoes at the prestigious competition.

ALSO READ: Thembisa dancer proud of Banna Re Mokgobe’s national achievements

She competed alongside dancers from South Africa and other countries, earning a place among the top 12 finalists in the Classical Junior category, where she performed two solos.

Her success continued in the Contemporary category, where she won a bronze medal, and the Pas de Deux category, a duet traditionally performed by two dancers, where she received a silver medal.

Bolelwang was also part of the group that won first prize in the Contemporary Group Dance category.

Her performances opened the door to several international opportunities. She received an Interlochen Arts Academy Scholarship in Michigan, United States, for the 2026–2027 academic year, as well as an ICEX International Contemporary EnsembleX Scholarship for the 2027 global season.

She was also awarded a World Dance Ireland Scholarship during the regional SAIBC competition in Dublin, Ireland.

For Bolelwang, competing at such a high level for the first time was both exciting and nerve-racking.

“I am so happy to place in such a prestigious competition for the first time on pointe shoes and in the Junior section,” she said.

“I was so nervous and anxious, hoping for the best, since I was dancing among international dancers and good dancers from South Africa.”

ALSO READ: Endulwini Crew Dancers rise to national spotlight with Yooh Kwenzakalani collaboration

Her achievements followed months of dedication and sacrifice. During the school holidays, Bolelwang trained every day, putting in long hours to prepare for the competition.

Her family has also made sacrifices to support her ambitions, driving her approximately 32km to Fourways every day for ballet training.

She credits her teachers at Mzansi Ballet with helping her prepare for the demanding competition and ensuring she was ready for the performances.

Now a Grade Seven learner at Laerskool Birchleigh, Bolelwang plans to balance her passion for dance with her education, saying her immediate priority is her schoolwork while continuing to develop her skills.
However, she is already looking forward to returning to the stage.

Mzansi Ballet has upcoming productions, including The Gould Rhino of Mapungubwe and The Grinch in December.

Bolelwang hopes to be part of these productions as she continues gaining experience and pursuing her ambitions as a young dancer.