Opportunities galore for ballet dancers
Ballet coach Melissa Gilfillan, explains that not only does ballet teach one discipline and respect, but it also holds a number of physical and mental benefits.
POLOKWANE – Trained in classical ballet in the Cecchetti and Rad method, ballet coach Melisa Gilfillan from Polokwane was inspired by the two senior ballet mentors namely Joy Cooper (Cecchetti) and Paula Olivier (Rad) who taught her.
Both women are well-known internationally and have produced many principal ballet dancers and Gilfillan hopes to achieve the same status one day. Gilfillan started ballet at the age of three, and has trained with Diana Irvine and Cooper with whom she did all the advanced levels, associate and associate diploma. She started training with Olivier at the age of 19, while her Cecchetti training was with the State Theatre Ballet School (Pact Ballet) under the guidance of Dawn Weller and Elecia Ceronio.
Gilfillan, a wife and mother of two completed Rad intermediate, advanced one and two with Rad.
Her first dance studio opened in Pretoria in 2008 before she relocated to Polokwane in 2014 and opened her studio. She also offers classes at local schools.
She explained that ballet holds a great number of physical, mental and social benefits.
“It teaches respect and discipline, and the terms are mostly in French, so they will learn French too.”
Instead of travelling to Gauteng to watch professional ballet productions, Gilfillan brings them to Polokwane. “It is important for students and parents to see, to fall in love and be inspired through dance.”
Melisa Gilfillan Ballet Academy students take part in Eisteddfods, competitions local and in Gauteng, and productions.
“Every year we have experienced international examiners who come through to assist the children in their exam preparation. The examinations take place annually during August or September.”
In 2022 they hosted the Mzansi Ballet Company with their production of ABBA-A-Cinderella Story.
“I look forward to hosting them again later this year with their new Queen production. The Joburg Ballet Company will be coming to Polokwane next year and the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) regionals will take place in April. I look forward to entering some students.
