Young ballerina hopes to achieve greatness despite challenges

Budding actress and ballerina Oratile Mpitso from Kwa Thema has to put her dreams on hold due to a lack of funds.

The 10-year-old dancer, who attends the Sandra Gibson Ballet Academy, entered a competition in March that saw her qualify for the World Dance Cup to be held in Portugal.

“It was her first time entering the competition and out of 33 contestants, she placed 11th,” says her mother Portia.

Despite the wonderful news that she would be allowed to travel the world doing what she loves, she had to face the reality that she might not go.

“Her father and I both work in retail and there’s just not enough money. She is too young to travel by herself, so that means double the costs as I would have to join her,” says Portia.

Oratile is not the only one who could not go.

“Other children are heartbroken at having missed this opportunity, they wanted to cry,” she added.

Portia highlighted the struggles of parenting with the rising costs of things.

“It is painful knowing that as a parent you want to give your child a bright and successful future and something as trivial as money gets in the way,” Portia lamented.

Even though Oratile missed out on this year’s chance, there is still next year.

“I am confident my daughter will quality for the World Dance Cup next year so I am using this year to prepare for that moment,” she affirmed.

For more information on Oratile’s journey, contact her parents on 073 149 1521 or 072 560 4516.