City supports fifth South African International Ballet Competition
11 February 2016
The best dancers in the international ballet world are making their way to Cape Town for the fifth South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) which takes place at the Artscape theatre from 23 to 28 February 2016. The competition attracts local and international competitors, judges, journalists and visitors to the city.
‘The City of Cape Town is proud to support this prestigious event, in line with our commitment to positioning Cape Town as the events capital of Africa. While ballet is a highly technical form of dance, it is also an art form combining grace and movement. As such, it has the power to draw audiences in and provide not just entertainment, but also a window into the world of theatre, music and dance. Ballet is often the foundation of many other dance genres,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Garreth Bloor.
Africa's premier ballet competition
Africa’s only international ballet competition, the SAIBC was launched in 2008 and has been held every two years since then, attracting dancers from South Africa and around the world to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals as well as monetary prizes.
The categories in which dancers compete, in both ballet and contemporary dance, are: scholars (12 to 15 years), junior (16 to 20 years), and seniors (21 to 28 years).
The total prize money amounts to R400 000 and this year the competition has attracted local dancers and participants from South Korea, Latvia, the United States of America, Mexico, Cuba and Europe – the largest group of competitors yet.
A distinguished panel of judges from South Africa and around the world has been assembled for SAIBC 2016.
Dirk Badenhorst, CEO of the prestigious SAIBC, said the City’s support is central to the continued success of the competition.
‘The City of Cape Town’s sponsorship reflects their recognition of the importance of the SAIBC as an event that plays a major role in bringing Cape Town into the spotlight of the international ballet world,’ said Badenhorst.
Bookings
Tickets are available for the elimination rounds that take place from 23 to 25 February at R65 each, for the semi-finals on 26 February priced from R65, for the finals on 27 February (when the winners will be announced) from R65 to R225 each, and for the gala that showcases the winners and guest artists on 28 February from R90 to R300.
Tickets can be booked by calling 0861 915 8000 or through Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.
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