The South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) has announced that its 10th competition since inception will be taking place in Cape Town in July as a hybrid event.
Founded by Dirk Badenhorst in 2008, SAIBC has always presented its local ballet talent biennially (once every two years). However, after 2021’s pandemic when SAIBC hosted the week-long competition online for the first time ever, organisers decided they would present the SAIBC annually, with an in-person event instead.
As Africa’s most established ballet event of its kind, the SAIBC competition draws dancers of the highest calibre from across the globe and in South Africa.
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Representing SAIBC this year will be three age groups. Ages 9 to 12 (Scholar), 13 to 16 (Junior), and 17 to 22 (Senior), featuring both Classical Ballet and Contemporary categories and the recently introduced duets, trios and group categories.
Along with the now annual competition, SAIBC says that exciting new elements will be introduced to the event.
This includes the ‘SAIBC Recognition Awards’ that will acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by South African individuals based in this country and abroad; those who have significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of Ballet in SA and the world.
One such individual is Mr. Johaar Mosaval, who grew up in District Six and enjoyed an illustrious career with the Royal Ballet. In 2018, through an onstage ceremony, SAIBC honoured Mr. Mosaval for his tremendous contributions. It is expected that this year, SAIBC will honour individuals following in the footsteps of Mosaval’s generosity and love for ballet.
If you’d like to attend the 10th SAIBC event hosted at The Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on 24-26 July, find your tickets here.
Feature Image: Facebook / Artscape Theatre
