uMhlanga ballerina to tiptoe on international stage
The young dancer is hoping to wow the judges in New York with her dance routines.
A 15-year-old aspiring ballerina from uMhlanga, Cadee van Aswegen, is one of 12 finalists in the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) online, the world’s largest ballet competition.
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“I achieved the honour of being selected as one of the top 12 finalists for my contemporary piece. The most extraordinary news arrived on my birthday at the end of January. I was so excited to hear that I had been specially invited to perform with the ICE cast at the YAGP 25th-Anniversary Gala in New York City on April 18 this year,” she said.
“I am thrilled about being afforded the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s leading choreographers and other talented dancers,” added Cadee.
The Youth America Grand Prix is a global dance network that connects teachers, schools and companies all year round while ICE is a unique programme, created specifically for talented young dancers seeking to immerse themselves in contemporary training.
“Dancing is a passion that burns deep within my heart, and it is my lifelong dream to become a professional ballerina and to make my mark in the world of dance. I have dedicated myself to the art of dance since I was four years old. There is no fee for the programme itself as it’s by invitation only, but I would need to pay for my own travel and accommodation costs. We have started a Back-a-Buddy page for this,” she added.
Cadee has trained under the expert guidance and leadership of Taryn Makaab-Smit with the Break-Thru Dance Company since 2015. She also has a number of achievements under her belt. She encompasses a range of disciplines, such as RAD Ballet, AIDT Modern and Contemporary.
Her achievements include placing in the top 6 at the Dance World Cup National and in the top 3 at the Move National Competition.
“It takes hard work, dedication and focus, which is why I invest more than 20 hours every week honing my skills, striving for excellence, and pushing the boundaries of my potential,” she said.
If you would like assist Cadee, follow this link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/cadee-van-aswegen5706644268945981541
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