Amanzimtoti dancers pirouette their way to New York
Three ballet dancers from Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance received scholarships after wowing adjudicators.
THREE girls are attending the American Academy of Ballet’s Summer School of Excellence in New York next week after receiving scholarships.
The selection came after Mieke Bester (13), Cassandra Pretorius (16) and Megan Dunnett (17) of Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance in Amanzimtoti wowed the academy’s adjudicators during the American Performance Awards that were held last year.
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Their teacher, Wendy Reinhardt, said, “Cassandra and Megan received a 40% bursary, and Mieke a 60% one. These girls have worked so hard for this, being awarded their levels and gold distinctions. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow the girls to be trained, judged and work alongside the best of the best in the industry, on an international level.”
She said they will be training six hours per day for two weeks, with a rest day on Sundays. “The summer camp is going to be intense with unset/impromptu classwork, together with the sound of a piano. I’ve been training the girls separately, three days a week, to work on their strengths, discipline and techniques. They just come alive when they are on the stage, so I know they will give it their all. They are so motivated and excited for this opportunity,” said Reinhardt.
Mieke, who started dancing at five years old, just instantly fell in love with ballet.
Her mother, Ranja Bester, said, “She is constantly dancing around the house, practising her steps, dreaming of bigger things to come.”
Cassandra, who has been dancing since the age of six, said it has helped her navigate through the challenges of childhood. “Being hearing impaired, I have found that being able to express myself through dance has given me the self-confidence to embrace who I am,” she said.
Megan, who also started dancing at the age of six, has increased her focus, commitment and passion over the years. Her mother, Leanne Dunnett said, “It’s such an exciting and inspiring award. Her passion for ballet and gift for dancing get to grow on an international platform and stage.”
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Reinhardt said they have been painstakingly raising funds to be able to make this dream a reality. “The girls’ mothers have also been so supportive and hands-on arranging fundraising events, looking for sponsorship, booking flights and accommodation and so forth,” she said.
To make a donation towards the trip, contact Leanne Dunnett on 083 793 1397.
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