The South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town

Whether you’re a beautiful ballerina or a fan of the ballet, this lauded competition is one to mark on your calendar

Celebrating our country’s bevy of beautiful ballet dancers, the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) twirls into town from Monday, 22, until Sunday, 28 February 2016, at the Artscape Opera House.

Lauded as one of the biggest ballet competitions in South Africa, the event gives aspiring and proficient dancers the opportunity to showcase their skills to an enchanted audience, with some valuable prize money at stake. Dancers can enter either as soloists or as a group, and there are categories for entrants aged 12 to 15, 16 to 20, and 21 to 28 years-old.

Founder Dirk Badenhorst is known for his exacting standards and for bringing out the best in participants. This year is no exception, with Badenhorst looking for exceptional technique, an inspiring performance and impeccable grooming from dancers. The competition has a reputation for preparing dancers for international stages, and the judging panel is made up of a carefully selected panel of experienced individuals.

If you’re a dancer eager to compete then be sure to visit the CTIBC.com website and get in touch with the organiser. If you’re a ballet lover looking to watch some of the best ballet stars in the country then book tickets to watch the various stages of the competition, culminating in a grand gala on Sunday, 28 February.

STAGES OF THE 2016 SAIBC AT THE ARTSCAPE OPERA HOUSE

DATE & TIME	ROUND	COST TO WATCH
23 Feb | 6pm	Prelims	R65
26 Feb | 7pm	Semi-finals	R65 – R225
27 Feb | 7pm	Finals	R65 – R225
28 Feb | 3pm	Gala	R90 – R300

Note that dancers need to bring their own music and fund their own travel and accommodation expenses. There’ll be daily rehearsals for performers, and registration will be on Monday, 22 February 2016. Prize money varies per category from R2 500 to the grand prize of R70 000, and there’s also a chance of participating dancers being scouted for international dance companies.

TICKETS FOR THE 2016 SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION AT ARTSCAPE           

Dancers can apply to participate online via CTIBC.com, and entries close on Monday, 1 February 2016. The public can buy tickets to watch the various events via Computicket.com and prices range from R65 to R300, depending on the selected event and seating.

Images by Pat Bromilow-Downing

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Interested in other arts and culture events around Cape Town? Take a look at our overview of February events in Cape Town and surrounds so you don’t miss a single shindig.

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