Ballito ballerina Sophie White (13) is ready to prove herself as an international-quality dancer.

The Grade 8 Koa Academy pupil will soon compete at the Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest ballet competition and scholarship event, from April 21-27. Held in Tampa, Florida, the event will include some of the best young dancers from around the globe.

Sophie earned her place following a standout performance at last year’s South African International Ballet Competition and has followed it up with more accolades this year. At the Dance World Cup South Africa Qualifiers in Pretoria last month, Sophie placed first in both the ballet repertoire and ballet solo categories, while claiming second in the contemporary dance division.

In order to fully pursue her passion, Sophie has moved to online schooling and joined the full-time training programme at her dance studio, Break-Thru Dance Academy & Co. She will also have the opportunity to train under different schools in July after being accepted to summer programmes with the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, Princess Grace Academy in Monaco and Royal Ballet in London.

Sophie is in full training mode ahead of her departure for America on April 18, where she plans to fly the South African flag as high as one of her leg kicks.

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