Talented Meyersdal ballet dancer bags silver medal
Meyersdal ballet dancer, Miguel Franco-Green, brought home a silver medal after recently competing in a competition.
Meyersdal’s Miguel Franco-Green secured a silver medal in the senior classical boys’ category when competing at the ninth South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) in Cape Town.
The SAIBC came to a spectacular close at the Artscape Opera House on July 30.
The festive event was a joyous celebration of outstanding ballet and contemporary dance that showcased the 2022 winners. It also featured guest appearances by professionals and vocational students from Mzansi Ballet.
Every SAIBC participant also took part in a fun finale choreographed by Angela Revie.
According to publicist Allison Foat, a delighted audience came out to support the competitors.
She said the closing gala was attended by the international jury panel, present in person for the first time in two years.
“Speakers included Anroux Marais, the MEC of the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and Clr Mzwakhe Nqayashe safety and security portfolio committee chairperson for the City of Cape Town. Both the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town provide invaluable support for the annual SAIBC,” said Foat.
The week-long event kicked off on July 26 as a hybrid event with dancers participating onstage and via video from abroad.
She said international dancers that competed on stage at Artscape came from Cuba and Russia.
“The judges assessed dancers in classical and contemporary genres across four categories. Being novices ages six to eight, scholars ages nine to 11, juniors ages 12 to 15 and seniors ages 16 to 19.
“For solo entrants, Cuba scooped the most golds, winning four in total,” she explained.
South African Nico Prinsloo, 13, from Johannesburg and trains at the Mzansi Ballet Vocational School, won two gold for both his sections. Overall, South Africa took home eight medals including those awarded for group and duet performances.
The 2022 panel of judges was made up of the heads of some of the world’s leading ballet schools, academies and training facilities.
The next South African International Ballet Competition will be held in Cape Town in 2023.
“The SAIBC acknowledges the invaluable support of the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the Mary Oppenheimer and Daughter Foundation, The Rockefeller Hotel and Residences (Newmark Hotels and Reserves) and other key donors,” Foat said.
Miguel previously stated that he was so proud to be a part of the SAIBC family and to have received this opportunity.
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