Ballet dancers from 60 nations have converged on South Africa for its 5th International Ballet Competition. It's an opportunity for dancers of the host nation to learn from their overseas counterparts.

South African Int'l Ballet Competition begins

Grace, Beauty, Poise - the treasured attributes of a ballet dancer - are again dazzling the judges at this year's South African International Ballet competition.

Ballet is an evolving artform in South Africa, and this competition recalls its classical roots.

"This year, it's a wonderful celebratory experience, with the 5th South African International Ballet Competition, a coming together of 60 nations in South Africa, a country that is not necessarily known for classical ballet anymore," said Dirk Badenhorst, organizer, South Afican Int'l Ballet Competition.

"It used to be, and this is my way of trying to ensure that we continue to have the history of classical ballet brought to all South Africans".

South African ballet has taken great strides in shedding the stigma attached to boys who participate; this year's contestants show just how popular it has become.

The competition also serves to educate South Africans in the techniques of overseas dancers.

"To perform with these international dancers is both a privilege and a challenge, because you want to look at them and learn as much as you can, but then again you also want to focus on yourself and not forget what you are here for," said Thato Nkwe, ballet artist.

"You get the Cubans who just have that pizzaz; they have that amazing quality of dance that just makes you love what they are doing; everyone in the audience is just smiling, so they learn to perform from a completely different way, an athletic way," Choreographer Lindy Raizenberg said.

Another week of world-class dancing has delighted audiences, but the event is sure to leave its mark on the visitors too.

Over the years, the winners of this competition have gone on to compete and win at other international events. They make up the future generation of ballet artists who are sure to shine on the world stage for many years to come.

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