KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna community was treated to Sidwell Roman's School of Ballet's annual year-end recital on 5 and 6 December. 

The two-night showcase welcomed a combined 572 spectators, filling Knysna Primary School Hall with families, friends and supporters.

This year's production, titled Beyond the Barre, featured dancers across all levels; from four -year-old first-time performers to experienced adult-level seniors.

Under the choreography of Courtney-Drew Meyer and Sidwell Roman, the performance showcased the school's commitment to classical discipline and creative expression.

"The dancers were glowing with pride, and you could literally see it on their faces. Every late afternoon rehearsal, every correction, every wobble and every win; it all came together on that stage," said Meyer.

Swansong

This year's event held particular emotional significance as three senior dancers, Alysa Stead, Kiara Stead and Cayden Bean, performed their final recital before graduating from the ballet school.

Their closing bow drew an extended applause and emotion from their teachers and families.

One of the graduates, Cayden, will be pursuing his ballet studies at the Ballet Academy East in New York next year, which is a significant achievement for a local ballet school and the dancer himself.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’