ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Two classical ballet dancers from George made their mark on the international stage last week, both reaching the finals of the 13th South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.
Cayden Bean (19) and Asha North (14) competed in both the classical ballet and contemporary sections, with Bean going on to win silver in the senior boys classical ballet section and bronze in the senior boys contemporary section.
It was a full-circle moment for these two dancers, as Bean - who lives between Hoekwil and New York, but was representing the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet in Knysna - grew up dancing with the Abbi Geldenhuys Academy of Ballet (Agab) in George, where Asha is currently a student.
The two dancers shared the stage in Agab's production of The Adventures of Alice in 2022, and were paired together when randomly selected to partner each other in the competition finale, which took place at the gala awards evening last Thursday, 6 August.
Not without complications
For Bean, the achievement was particularly significant after a dramatic injury almost ended his competition before it began.
The night before leaving for Cape Town, he injured his left foot, suffering a tendon strain around the ankle. Initially unable to move the foot, he was forced to withdraw from the competition.
After intensive rehabilitation and regaining limited movement, he was admitted as a late entry.
Despite the setback, Bean performed a repertoire solo from Coppélia and a contemporary solo, earning a place in the final. He then performed the male variation from Swan Lake and, against the odds, returned home with two medals.
It was his second time reaching the SAIBC final, but his first time placing.
Cayden Bean's repertoire solo, pas de trois male variation from Swan Lake, during the SAIBC final round. Photo: Lesley Parolis
Selected for the finale
Asha also qualified for the final after competing against 41 dancers in the junior 13-16 division. She performed the Princess Florine solo from The Blue Bird and a contemporary solo before dancing the Cupid variation from Don Quixote in the final.
Although Asha did not place in her division, she made an impression and was selected to perform in the prestigious finale alongside Bean.
The SAIBC brought together 118 dancers aged nine to 22 from South Africa and abroad, including competitors from Cuba, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Founded by Dirk Badenhorst, the SAIBC is the only international ballet competition of its kind on the African continent.
Geldenhuys says she was immensely proud of both dancers. - Compiled by Michelle Pienaar
Asha North outside the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. Photo: Abbi Geldenhuys
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