LOCAL talented dancer Gabriel Ahrens has been awarded a full bursary to further his tuition at the renowned Miami City Ballet (MCB) School, one of the most prestigious, highly acclaimed ballet training programmes in the world.
The 18-year-old was home for a short while to renew his student visa for the United States of America after he completed a full year at the MCB School.
The Gillitts resident is the leading male ballet dancer in KwaZulu-Natal and trains under Beverley and Kerry Hall.
The humble dancer, who beams with happiness, said he has been dancing since the age of 11, and his dance styles are primarily ballet but include contemporary, jazz, tap and Latin.
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He won ‘Dance Star’ Cape Town in 2018 and the prize to travel to Croatia to compete against other international dancers.
He returned with three golds and one silver medal. In 2021, he won the ‘Move’ competition in Cape Town.
Ahrens has also performed as the lead male dancer for the KZN Dance Company in the Durban Dance Movement Festival, which took place at the KwaZulu-Natal Playhouse in July last year.
Speaking to the Highway Mail, the ballet dancer said he is grateful beyond measure for the generosities that have allowed him to pursue his dream thus far.
“Although it was a bit challenging at first, I have settled in and made friends.
He said ballet was the last dance style he ever learned but fell in love with it instantly.
“It is a beautiful art form, and I feel so free and at peace when I dance. My favourite moment is seeing the audience’s faces when I dance. It is so rewarding seeing someone enjoy what you do, and I am so grateful for the people who will still come and watch ballets in the theatre.
“Ballet is my escape from everything; it is where I go to not have to think about any stresses. The feeling I get from ballet is something truly amazing. If you watch most ballets, there are always male leads alongside the female leads. My one tip is that it is never too late to start ballet,” he said.
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While the scholarship awarded to Ahrens covers most of the costs of the year’s programme, he is required to raise funds to cover certain expenses, such as medical insurance. Miami Ballet are assisting with this fundraising and have set up a gofund.me.com profile on his behalf.
Beverley Hall thanked the people who have donated through GoFundMe in the USA.
“Gabriel’s living expenses were covered for his first year and have accorded him a taste of the life, of the possibility that his talent and dedication can achieve [for him]. We appeal once again for people to assist this hard-working young man,” she said.
For funding information, contact KZN Dance Academy at kznda@mweb.co.za.
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