Dancers of the Russian School of Ballet in Parkhurst Talisha Pillay (20) and Dané Visagie (20) have been selected to study choreography at Moscow University next year.
The five-year course is free and includes one year of learning Russian and four years of study.
Director and founder of the Russian School of Ballet Yana Auger said, “Talisha and Dané are good and diligent students. I am very happy and excited for them.”
Pillay, who matriculated from Greenside High and is currently in her second year studying foundation phase education, said she saw this as a major opportunity.
“I was initially scared because I will have to leave home, but I’m a creative and I have to put myself somewhere with creativity. I love dancing and working with kids is my biggest inspiration.”
Having started ballet when she was six years old, Pillay said she was excited to see the impact that this world-class degree would have on children. “I love dancing and learning how to use my body. I love music and expression through dance. I want to create something beautiful,” said Pillay.
Visagie described the opportunity as ‘every little girl’s dream’. “All our dancing heroes come from Russia. My fingers are itching to do choreography.”
Last year, Visagie wrote her own production for children, which was performed at her home. “Putting on the production and persevering despite the challenges that arose on the day showed me that this is exactly what I want to do. It feels like this is what I’ve been made to do,” said Visagie.
She dreams of becoming like Michael Flatley, writing her own pieces and having them performed in Russia.
“I never thought my life would go like this… I want my dance to give hope to someone and tell a story,” said Visagie.
Community members who would like to assist with costs for flights, accommodation and other expenses for the ballerinas are encouraged to contact Yana on yana@russianschoolofballet.com
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