Cassidy Ries (15) is taking the ballet industry by storm.
Ries, who lives in Fourways attends the Christian School of the Arts high performance training centre in Boskruin. She is currently competing in the scholar age category at the prestigious International Ballet Competition taking place until 23 February at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town. The competition takes place every two years and attracts ballet stars and stars-in-the-making from around the globe to compete for gold, silver and bronze awards as well as substantial monetary prizes.
“I have been looking forward to doing the competition as I will be working with international choreographers,” said Ries. “It will also be a delight meeting other ballet dancers from around the world. This will give me a chance to see how different or perhaps very similar their dance style is to mine, which could help me grow as a dancer.”
To prepare herself for the competition Ries has been rehearsing 36 hours a week at the training centre. Ries also rehearses regularly with the Johannesburg Ballet Company. She has also had the privilege of being coached by Karen Beukes-Macdonald, a professional ballerina and principal dancer.
Keeping a healthy diet is part of ensuring that Ries is energetic throughout her rehearsals. “Normally I am not too strict with my diet, but when it comes close to competitions I have to watch what I eat because they are strict on a healthy weight and appearance.”
When she was two years old Ries fell in love with the art of dance and when she turned 12 she decided to focus on ballet, which has opened the opportunity for her to be cast in four world-class productions.
“It is a great privilege for our ballet students to be associated with the Johannesburg Ballet Company and equally to compete with some of the world’s best dancers at the competition,” said Ivana Ries, principal of the training centre and mother of Cassidy.
“Each competition affords a wonderful opportunity for further growth. Anyone with the passion for dance, must put their mind to it, that will get you through the good and bad days. Give everything your all, have respect for your craft and believe in yourself,” advised Ivana.
Details: the Christian School of the Arts ivana@csa-online.co.za, www.csa-online.co.za
