An African adventure for village ballet star

Katelyn lands place at prestigious event in Cape Town after passing dance examinations with distinction

BRAMCOTE girl Katelyn Severn (18) attended a prestigious ballet competition in Cape Town, South Africa.
She qualified for the Royal Academy of Dance Genee International Ballet Competition by passing her RAD Advanced 2 examination with Distinction (81%) in July 2011.
The Cape Town Genee competition, which ran from 29th September until 9th October, brings together young ballet dancers (aged 15-19) to be coached and judged by worldwide renowned choreographers and ballet company directors in a two-week competition.
Candidates had to learn two classical ballet variations in advance of the competition but also were taught a completely new commissioned dance in just five days.
Prizes are awarded as Gold, Silver and Bronze medals — if standards are achieved.
Katelyn, who is 5ft 10in tall, was one of four UK entrants who travelled from Scotland where they are training as part of their BA degree course in Classical Ballet. Other entrants came from the USA, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Israel, China, Japan, Spain and Cyprus.
A spokesman said: “They performed in a professional theatre, Artscape, in central Cape Town to packed audiences. It is the pinnacle of a young dancer’s training to be part of the Genee and winning recognition in the competition will almost certainly lead to a professional engagement in any international ballet company.
“The Genee is known as ‘the friendly competition’ as all candidates live together and train together for two weeks prior to the finalists being chosen.
“Katelyn thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and gave a most professional set of performances. She continues to train in Scotland and will be given a featured role in the ballet school’s next production, Swan Lake.
“She will be listing her success on her cv when she graduates and starts looking for work in a ballet company and it will certainly impress prospective future employers.”

 

 

PICTURES by WILL PICKERING (email pictures.topper@btconnect.com)