Rising US ballet star Michaela DePrince arrives in Johannesburg on July 7 to dance in the SA premiere of the classical ballet, Le Corsaire, opening for a short season at the Joburg Theatre from July 19-29.
Michaela will be dancing one of the leading roleson Thursday evening July 19. Ahead of her arrival in SA, she is rehearsing with distinguished SA-born, New York-based ballet teacher, Charla Genn.
Michaela was born in Sierra Leone 17 years ago where her parents were victims of the west African country’s civil war, leaving Michaela orphaned at the age of three. Further alienated from her community by a skin disorder, her future was bleak until two events changed her life. She found a tattered picture of a ballerina in a magazine and from then on became obsessed with the idea of becoming the ballerina in the photograph.
When she was four, Michaela was adopted by an American family and taken to the United States. She started ballet lessons and soon showed exceptional talent. Now, at 17, after winning prestigious accolades, she is about to join Dance Theatre of Harlem In New York, one of America’s best known ballet companies.
She has also showcased in the full-length documentary film, First Position, which follows the lives of young dancers as they participate in Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest ballet competition. First Position will also be screened for the public at the Joburg Theatre July 22 at 11am. Michaele will attend the screening to talk about her participation in the film.
Michaela was born in Sierra Leone 17 years ago where her parents were victims of the west African country’s civil war
Watch this space for an exclusive interview withMichaelahosted by feature writer Tanja Bencun coming soon.
The trailer for First Position.
Michele appears on Dancing with Stars.
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