Ballerina (10) excels beyond her age and expectations in international competition
"Her routine was flawless, I have never seen her perform like that," her mother says proudly.
A 10-year-old ballerina from Pretoria East, Lumé Fourie walked away with the gold medal in the contemporary category at the eighth South African international ballet competition at the end of October.
The competition kicked-off on October 19, World Ballet Day, and continued as a hybrid event with contestants and judges virtually and in-person gathered from across the globe.
The competition saw 180 dancers from 28 countries participated: 77 South African dancers performing onstage at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, while the remaining international contestants competed with pre-recorded video entries.
Lumé said she did not expect to place at all as it is unlikely for a South African dancer to finish in the top three.
“I was blown away by the result,” she said.
She practices up to five hours a day and added that her hard work finally paid off.
She made the South African team to represent her country in Poland at the international dance organisation’s world champs, but due to Covid-19, SA decided not to send a team to compete.
“I was super excited about the news that I was included in the squad, but I do understand the difficult times we are facing at the moment, but hopefully I will yet again make the team next year,” she said.
Mother and her ballet teacher, Tanya said she has never been more proud of her daughter.
“It is an incredible achievement. I do not think Lumé realises how huge this is, but because I have been in the industry and a dancer myself since I was four years old, I know how much this means.
“Her routine was flawless, I have never seen her perform like that.
“It was an amazing learning curve for Lumé as she is only 10 years old. I foresee a great future for my little girl, not because I am her mother, but because she has great talent and she is so dedicated,” she said.
Lumé started ballet at the age of three at Leap for Joy dance studio, but admits that she did not like the sport at first.
“I then did some acrobatics, but then I tried ballet again, and I absolutely love it. I eat, breath and sleep ballet.
“If I am done with a performance, my mum’s face expression says it all. If she asks how do you feel about my performance, then I know it was not my best, but when she says well done I am so proud of you, then I know it was a great performance,” she giggled.
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Make no mistake that this beautiful young girl already has her future planned out.
“In about six years time I want to attend Elmhurst Ballet School in London and thereafter join the New York City Ballet Company.
“I would love to perform on the international stage in a musical. It would be a dream come true,” she said.
Jawaun Bester (senior contemporary girls) placed third in her category and Elsje Styger also got a bronze medal in the junior contemporary girls category. Both are also students from Leap for Joy.
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