GALLERY: Berario ballet school shines

The Kariena Olivier School of Ballet competed in the Gauteng and the Concours de Ballet dance festivals that were held in September and October.

Kariena Kolisko, teacher and founder of the school, said she was happy with the hard work shown by the pupils for the year.

Kolisko said that there were 21 children who were entered into the dance competition and they achieved fantastic results. She added that most of the pupils were selected to dance two solos each – a classical and a demi-character. “The children have rehearsed since May and were ready and prepared,” she said.

“Seventeen gold all-round medals were awarded, [as well as] 23 Gold A plus certificates, and 27 A certificates and 23 Merit certificates,” she said. “I am so proud of the pupils and I would like to thank the moms, dads and grandparents for all their efforts and support. I am ecstatic after all this hard work. It has been blood sweat and tears but may these memories last us many years,” Kolisko said.

Kolisko pointed out that the school has been running at the Berario Recreation Centre for 31 years and she was a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance as well as the National Society of Dance Teachers. Kolisko is also the founder and director of the Ballet Bugs Theatre Company that has been staging many productions at Wits Theatre, Roodepoort Civic Theatre and State Theatre since 2001.

Details: Kariena Olivier School of Ballet email: kariena@artandballetbugs.co.za