Supporting aspiring male ballet dancers

AS AN ambassador for young male ballet dancers, 11-year-old Miguel Kenneth FrancoGreen is donating funds to support aspiring male ballet dancers, by paving the way for them to reach their dreams and become professionals.

Having returned from a three-week intensive training scholarship in Seoul, South Korea, with Professor Sun Hee Kim at the K-Arts University in January, Miguel recently competed in the South African International Ballet Competition in Cape town as well as the Youth America Grand Prix in New York.

At the South African International Ballet Competition, Miguel was awarded two summer scholarships: one to the Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin (Berlin State Ballet) by judge Gregor Seyffert, and one from judge Annarella Roura Sánchez to the International Conservatory of Ballet in Portugal (Conservatório Internacional de Ballet e Dança).

His proud mother, Chantelle Franco-Green, said: “With South Africa having to ‘import’ male talent for our own national ballet company, Miguel hopes that in the future his pioneering efforts will encourage boys to follow their dreams.

‘‘With the support of the South African community, we know we can achieve this.

“As you can imagine, ballet specifically for aspiring young male dancers in South Africa can be challenging, and we as his parents do all we can to support him.

‘‘With the recognition of three top international institutes through scholarship offers this year alone, as well as one received last year from K-Arts in South Korea, Miguel needs the support of his country.”

Miguel and his family have decided that for every R1 000 donated to Miguel’s “add a bit” account, he will put R100 in a private fund designed to support other aspiring South African male ballet dancers.

Miguel needs the support in order to realise his own dreams and recognises the need for other young male dancers to have this kind of support as well.

To donate, visit https://addabit.com/fund/ 1mVe9Ua2S7