KNYSNA NEWS - The Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival (NMBDF) celebrates its 43rd year in 2024, and it will take place at the Savoy Theatre in Gqeberha from 26 to 31 August.
The festival provides the perfect platform for young dancers to showcase their skills across a multitude of genres.
Over the past four decades, and counting, the NMBDF has been the breeding ground for many young dancers who have gone on to enjoy successful careers both nationally and internationally.
One of the 20 studios participating in this year’s festival is the Knysna-based studio Carmen’s School of Dance, which has taken part in the NMBDF for many years.
Nadine du Plessis is one of Carmen’s School of Dance’s many success stories. She started dancing with the dance school owner Carmen de Sousa at the tender age of six, when she fell in love with the timeless dance form of ballet.
Many accolades
Nadine has won many accolades while dancing at the NMBDF, including the Merril Lane Platter Award four times. She was twice crowned Junior Champion, at the age of 13 and 14.
Nadine moved to Cape Town at the age of 15 where she continued her training at the Jacqui Pells Dance Academy. In August 2022, she joined the Arles Youth Ballet Company in France.
She recently signed with Cape Town City Ballet, and is set to start her first season with them.
The NMBDF committee, comprising seasoned professionals and passionate dance enthusiasts, has meticulously curated a festival that showcases a diverse range of dance styles from dance studios in the Eastern and Southern Cape.
From classical ballet to hip hop, traditional performances to cutting-edge modern choreography, the festival offers something for every dance lover.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the door of the Savoy Theatre for R50 per person per day. Gala tickets for Saturday, 31 August, at R120 per person, can be purchased at www.webtickets.co.za.
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