Latest News from RAD France and Benelux

Sleeping Beauty is performed at Luxembourg's Grand Théâtre and
Royal Academy of Dance students will be dancing the children's roles

Classical fairy tale Sleeping Beauty will be brought to life in the Grand Théâtre by Belgian dance company the Royal Ballet of Flanders in mid-January. As well as featuring some of the finest dancers in northern Europe, the two-night show will be a chance for 20 girls and one boy from Luxembourg to showcase their talents.

"It's the first time we've done anything like this in Luxembourg," explained Royal Academy of Dance National Director for Benelux and France Jacqui Spence, adding: "There are not many ballets which have parts for children and young people. I hope that it will be the first of other partnerships like this. For us it's been a huge privilege, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for our young students."

With just days to go, tickets are sold out. Jacqui Spence said: "I think that it's the fact that we get so little classical ballet in Luxembourg. We get a lot of dance but the theatre has brought very little classical ballet. It's a shame there are several good European companies interested."

Photos: Gerry Huberty

Read the full article in Luxembourg Wort

The Grand Théâtre of Luxembourg

Genée International Ballet Competition 2011: results

Recognised as one of the ballet world's most prestigious competitions and the flagship event of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Genée International Ballet Competition, held at the Artscape Opera House yesterday evening (Sunday 9 October), finished in top form as the Final drew to an exciting close.

Crowned with success, the overwhelming public response was evident, with sold out performances of the Semi Finals and the Final with the support once again proving the competition's reputation as a tour de force in the worldwide ballet scene. 

The winners list is as follows:

No gold medals were awarded.

Winners of female silver medals are: Mana Ogawa (Japan) and Si Jia Miao (China)
Winner of male silver medal: Jin Hao Zhang (China)
Winner of female bronze medal: Ashley Scott (South Africa)
Winner of male bronze medal: Mlindi Kulashe (South Africa)

The Audience Choice Award went to Jessica Brown (Australia)

As this year's competition comes to a fulfilling close, bringing to light the young ballet stars on the rise, in a very successful return to London, the international ballet community looks forward to the next Genée International Ballet Competition in 2012 which Luke Rittner, Chief Executive of the RAD, announced would take place in Wellington in New Zealand, for the first time.

Read the full press release.

Genée International Ballet Competition

In 2011, South Africa will host the Genée International Ballet Competition for the first time, with the city of Cape Town providing a stunning backdrop to this renowned competition. The event is presented by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and is supported by the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Cape Town City Ballet.

One of the most esteemed competitive events on the international dance calendar, the Genée attracts dynamic young talent from around the world. Named after one of the RAD's founders, Dame Adeline Genée, it is the Academy's flagship event.

Candidates have the rare opportunity to work with and learn from distinguished dance professionals and choreographers over a unique week-long event.

Click the image to the left for the full details in PDF format
or visit the South African RAD website