South African ballet competition inspires a new generation of young dancers

Young ballet dancers from across South Africa are showcasing their talent at the 13th South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town, where dedication and perseverance are taking center stage.

For 15-year-old Jayden Samuels, the competition is the reward for countless hours of hard work and discipline.

"I just love the whole process of working hard on something and putting so much energy and effort into something and reaping all the rewards that it came with."

Thirteen-year-old Oratile Mpitso discovered ballet after watching other children dance at nursery school. Her passion has been supported by her family's sacrifices to help her pursue the art form.

"I told my parents, my brother is speaking English, I'd like to go to a school like that. My dad sacrificed some things so he can get me there and I saw other kids do ballet at the nursery school so that's what got me into ballet and I just fell in love with it."

Without access to a professional studio, Oratile practices outdoors, where her determination has become an inspiration to children in her community.

Portia Mpitso, Mother of Oratile: "So whenever she does her dance outside, because we don't have a studio, we don't have any bars where she can do her training, she will do it outside by the grass. So the other kids will watch her by the fence and admire what she does. It is a blessing, I don't want to lie. It is a blessing."

Organizers say the competition continues to broaden access to ballet, helping develop a more diverse generation of performers while raising South Africa's profile on the international stage.