Springs ballerinas set for SA International Ballet finals in Cape Town
Larise Dippenaar (11), Oratile Mpitso (12), Naledi Ndobe (13), Manapo Tshoma (15), Tshenolo Tshoma (16) are chasing ballet dreams at the SAIBC after qualifying at the Steyn City prelims.
Five talented ballerinas from the Sandra Gibson Ballet Academy are set to take centre stage at the prestigious South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) in Cape Town from 29 to 31 July at Artscape Theatre.
Larise Dippenaar (11), Oratile Mpitso (12), Naledi Ndobe (13), Manapo Tshoma (15) and Tshenolo Tshoma (16) took part in the qualifying round held in March at Steyn City, where they all qualified for the finals.
This will be the 12th annual SAIBC, an event featuring more than 120 entries from across the world, with dancers aged nine to 22 competing in classical ballet and contemporary categories including solos, duets, trios and group performances.
Larise’s mother, Venessa Dippenaar, said the girls are very excited and feel privileged to have the opportunity to take part in such a prestigious competition.
“After the big announcement that they had qualified for the international competition, they were overwhelmed with big smiles and tears of relief and joy, each supported by their parents. We all had a good cry and celebrated with huge applause,” she said.
She added that the girls have been preparing for the competition by training four times a week.
“The community can keep these relentless, fearless ballerinas in their thoughts and prayers,” Dippenaar said.
