Glenbrook dancer Yasmin Sayah will compete in the prestigious Genee International Ballet Competition in Sydney next week.
Held in a different country each year and run by London’s Royal Academy of Dance, the competition attracts dancers from all over the world and selection is highly competitive.
Achieving a distinction in her Advanced 2 RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) exams mid-year, which is the highest level in the RAD syllabus, Yasmin was one of just 100 dancers invited to compete.
The 17-year-old is super excited about competing and the opportunities it brings.
“It’s a massive opportunity and a really good experience,” she said.
“I love performing and being on stage and it’s also nerve-wracking, but I just love being on stage and dancing for everyone.”
Yasmin will take part in workshops with renowned choreographers, and will be judged on three pieces.
She will perform a variation from the ballet Cinderella, a neoclassical piece, and a contemporary number taught in the workshops. Just 10 dancers will proceed to the finals. Judges include David McAllister, the artistic director of the Australian Ballet, and Yasmin’s hoping she might be noticed.
Having danced since age four, Yasmin is training with Melbourne City Ballet and next year will continue with the ballet for a pre-professional year – the level below being a paid dancer.
Three teachers from Glenbrook Ballet Theatre helped Yasmin to prepare for the Genee competition.
