KNYSNA NEWS - Hoekwil ballet dancer Cayden Bean (19) will leave for New York on Monday 17 August to begin a prestigious full-year ballet scholarship, a remarkable achievement that will see the young dancer continue his training at one of the world's leading dance institutions.
As a former dance student of the Sidwell Roman School of Ballet in Knysna, Bean recently received the outstanding news when he was awarded a second 100% scholarship after successfully completing the first six months of his studies at Ballet Academy East (BAE) in upper Manhattan, a prestigious ballet school in New York.
The new scholarship means he will return to the United States for a full year to continue his training.
Bean said going back to New York feels surreal. "I have so much more time to work on my dancing and to live in the city again," he said.
He is especially looking forward to reuniting with his dance friends during his time at the school, and hopes to make new ones too.
"They come from all over the world, which has made for some really great friendships," he said.
Having already spent six months in New York, Bean says he has grown confident about navigating the city and using the subway, making it feel like a second home.
A typical day in class
"Once I've woken up and got ready, I normally head to the gym at my residence for strength and flexibility training," said Bean when asked to describe a typical day in New York.
"Some days I'll take strength classes, which are included in my scholarship. Then I'll do some recovery in the sauna, have breakfast and head to my dance school for my first class. Then I have a quick lunch break and attend my main technique class, followed by either men's class or rehearsals. My last class ends at 20:00 or sometimes 21:00. Then I head home for dinner and get ready to do it all again, Monday to Saturday. Sunday is my only day off."
Nature and a good braai
Asked what he never realised he would miss while living in New York, Bean said spending time in nature has become one of the things he appreciates most. "The scenery we have here is so beautiful and something we all take for granted. The city life is amazing, but after a while, I definitely started missing it. Especially the mountains in Hoekwil. Also a good South African braai. That's something you don't find in New York!"
Cayden suffered an ankle injury over the past weekend that may affect his ability to compete fully in the prestigious South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town, which is currently taking place.
Despite the injury, he is expected to perform in the finale, where he will partner one of the female dancers in a lift.
Whether he will be able to compete in the individual competition will depend on his recovery.
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