Cape Town is soon going to observe the 12th South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) at Artscape. The event is supported by the National Lotteries Commission, that will take place from July 29 to 31, 2025.
This is a prestigious international event which will feature dancers from age 9 to 22, classified as: Scholars – ages 9 to 12; Junior – ages 13 to 16; and Senior – ages 17 to 22. Participants will compete in both Classical Ballet and Contemporary categories – solo, duet, trio, and group.
The competition will include the participants and jury members from seven countries which are China, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland, Belgium, the USA and South Africa, SAIBC continues to showcase top global talent. Interested viewers can book their tickets at Computicket.
Supporters of 12th SAIBC
SAIBC is grateful and acknowledges the invaluable support from the City of Cape Town, The Mary Oppenheimer & Daughter Foundation, Lift Airline and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) that relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery.
Furthermore, the Lotteries Act and regulations guide how NLC funding may be allocated. The NLC wants the grants to make a difference in the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organizations.
Notably, the available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organizations in the fields of charities, arts, culture and national heritage, and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to the development of South Africa.
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Major Additions to SAIBC
Earlier, two exciting new elements were introduced to the 2023 edition of SAIBC. They are the SAIBC Recognition Awards, that will acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by South African individuals based in the country and abroad who have significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of Ballet in SA and the World.
In year 2018 the SAIBC was the first to acknowledge, through an onstage ceremony at the Artscape Theatre, as the tremendous contribution was made to ballet in this country by Mr. Johaar Mosaval, who had an illustrious career with the Royal Ballet.
Also, the addition of a choreographic category, local and international choreographers will be invited to enter new works for adjudication by the SAIBC’s expert panel of judges. The criteria include dances which last no longer than three minutes for either solo, duet or group entries and choreographies can be performed in practice clothing or full costume with staging.