A leap towards her dreams

ROSEBANK – A former St Teresa's School learner has taken the dancing world by storm.

St Teresa’s School is extremely proud of its former learner who is one of 15 finalists in one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.

According to St Teresa’s computer educator and marketing manager, the Class of 2020’s Paige McElligott was selected as a finalist out of a group of 97 dancers from 16 countries in the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition.

The judging panel comprised of Royal Academy of Dance president Dame Darcey Bussell, artistic director and CEO of Scottish Ballet Christopher Hampson, and former artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Sir David Bintley.

The 16 finalists had to learn a commissioned solo choreographed by Ashley Page, former artistic director of Scottish Ballet and perform it with a classical solo at the final on September 9. This was also the first time in the competition’s 90-year history that it was attended virtually.

McElligott first represented South Africa in rhythmic gymnastics at the African Games in 2016 when she was in Grade 8. As part of the team, she won a silver medal. Two years later she was took part in the South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town – she was one of only two South Africans who made it through to the finals.

Last year while in Grade 12, McElligott travelled to Switzerland to participate in the Prix de Lausanne – the most prestigious ballet competition in the world, on par with the Olympic Games. Out of the 377 applicants from 47 different countries, 84 were chosen to participate and she was the only South African participant.

McElligott also competed in the first International Online Ballet competition, where 10 judges – selected from top schools and companies around the world – adjudicated the competitors. Paige won a silver medal in this competition, coming second to China.

Paige will begin the pre-professional programme at the English National Ballet based in London, England later this month.

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