The Gala

After hearing who the winners were, I found out that the judges wanted myself and Luisito to perform Satenella in the Gala concert at the Latvian National Opera! WHAT!!! My dream came true!

So the day of the Gala, we got up and took the tram with the other dancers to the theatre. I was taken to my dressing room, which I shared with Marita Weinrack (Estonia) who was the 2nd place winner in the Pre-professional group. We all went to the master class. Remember the picture I posted of the studio that Elza took us to, well I got to dance there. Class was great and some of the judges were watching, gulp...

After class I spoke to the one judge, Jekaterina Scelkanova and gave me her card and invited me to the Summer Intensive program in St. Petersburg from 20 July-4 August! You have to go through an audition process to be allowed to go to this program that is help at the Vaganova academy. It cost about $4000. Guess I have to do some quick fundraising again. I really hope that I will be able to go! The Vaganova method is the best in the world and I world learn so much and would be able to bring that knowledge back to South Africa.

So after my excitement, we had to go place Satenella on the BEAUTIFUL stage. This time the stage was slightly raked... After placing, we learned our sequence in which we would do the curtain calls. Now it was time for lunch  so now the 4 for of us(Miles being the 4th) went to have lunch. Then it was time to get ready for the performance.

This time, I could sit back and watch the other dancers without feeling intimidated, but not when I had Annija Kopstale (2nd place winner) doing 5 pirouettes right before we had to go on. When I took my first step onto that stage, I was stunned for a split second. Reason being, I was actually living my dream by being on this AMAZING WORLD CLASS STAGE! I looked out to the audience and all the seats were full. This was THE best experience in my entire life. It brings a tear to my eye right now, just thinking of the few minutes that I actually got to perform on that stage. The audience clapped to the music during the coda while we were dancing. Wow! This was extreme!!!

During the curtain call some of the students from the Riga Choreography School came onto stage and gave us flowers. After the performance we stayed on stage and took a few pictures with the dancers and the judges. I was shocked when a few of the judges told me that I did a really good performance! These are people who work with outstanding dancers everyday...

After we had gotten dressed, we went to the dinner for the competition where we could all chat and get emails of the friends that we made. So sad that the most amazing experience I  my whole life has come to an end. I made so many good friends that I feel like I have known for years, but we only have known each other for a couple of days. I have learnt so much about ballet and most of all about myself! Thank you EVERYONE who has donated, sponsored and supported me before and during the competition. This really has been THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE! I have no words to explain how thankful I am. I am truly grateful and love you all!