KZN Girls Dance Their Way to New York Dreams

Two young dancers earn spots at prestigious American Academy of Ballet

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:33am

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An abstract, impressionistic image of blurred, colorful shapes and forms evoking the graceful movement and ethereal spirit of ballet dancers.The vibrant energy and artistic passion of two young South African dancers will soon grace the prestigious halls of the American Academy of Ballet in New York City.NYC Today

Two young dancers from South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, Mieke Bester and Ella, have been accepted to train at the prestigious American Academy of Ballet (AAB) in New York City, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hone their skills at one of the world's most respected ballet programs.

Why it matters

This achievement highlights the global reach and influence of South African dance talent, as these two young dancers from a relatively small region have earned spots at one of the most elite ballet schools in the world. It also showcases the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to overcome geographic and economic barriers and achieve one's dreams.

The details

Mieke Bester, a student at the Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance in Amanzimtoti, and Ella have been selected to attend the AAB program in New York City. The AAB is one of the world's most prestigious ballet schools, known for training some of the top dancers in the industry.

  • Mieke Bester and Ella have been accepted to the AAB program for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The players

Mieke Bester

A student at the Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, who has been accepted to the American Academy of Ballet in New York City.

Ella

A young dancer from KwaZulu-Natal who has also been accepted to the American Academy of Ballet in New York City.

Wendy Reinhardt

The founder and director of the Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance, where Mieke Bester trains.

American Academy of Ballet (AAB)

One of the world's most prestigious ballet schools, located in New York City, known for training some of the top dancers in the industry.

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What they’re saying

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these young dancers to train at one of the best ballet schools in the world.”

— Wendy Reinhardt, Founder and Director, Wendy Reinhardt Academy of Dance

What’s next

Mieke Bester and Ella will begin their training at the American Academy of Ballet in New York City in September 2026 for the start of the academic year.

The takeaway

This story showcases the global reach and influence of South African dance talent, as two young dancers from KwaZulu-Natal have earned spots at one of the most elite ballet schools in the world, the American Academy of Ballet in New York City. It demonstrates the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to overcome geographic and economic barriers and achieve one's dreams.