2025 Mid-Year Update

As we reach the halfway point of the year, we want to take a moment to share the incredible progress your support has made possible. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to advance our mission in meaningful ways—supporting South African artists to train, choreograph, perform, teach, and advance professionally. We're excited to update you on the successes we've achieved together so far and what lies ahead in the coming months.

GBP’s 20th Anniversary Gala

On March 2rd, Gugulethu Ballet Project celebrated our 20th anniversary with a night of cocktails, speeches, dancing, singing, dinner, and a live auction. The Grammy-award winning South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo capped off the evening with a spirited and moving performance.

The night was a huge success, showcasing the creativity and skill of South African artists. Visit our website to view photos from the event and video of performances by SF Ballet principal dancer Jasmine Jimison and current and former GBP scholarship recipients, featuring original choreography by GBP alums, Nathan Bartman and Ciara Baldwin.

Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni at South Carolina Ballet

Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni has been dancing at Ohio Contemporary Ballet several years and was ready for new opportunities. In spring, GBP funded an audition trip to Los Angeles. We’re happy to announce Sikhumbuzo has secured a contract with South Carolina Ballet for their 2025-26 season.

Expanding Teachers' Resources

Kristine shared Gugulethu Ballet Project’s syllabus, a video compilation of ballet class exercises performed by young women of color that together create a solid foundation of ballet technique, with with Mbulelu Ndabeni, a GBP alum  teaching in Ugie, South Africa.

Working in relatively isolated communities, teachers and students in South African townships have limited opportunities to learn and grow through exposure to new forms of teaching. The videos give a wealth of knowledge, and, crucially, are accessed from flash drive, which can be plugged into a phone or a tablet and does not require any internet.

Chuma Mathiso performs at Zohar

Chuma Mathiso has been training for the past year with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. For Zohar's spring showcase, he performed his contemporary solo “Chuma” and the classical Solar’s variation from Le Corsair. These two challenging solos demanded technical and dramatic skill, and Chuma delivered! 

Upcoming

Thank you for your continued support of Gugulethu Ballet Project. We look forward to being back in touch with the exciting developments we have planned for the rest of the year!

In June, Chuma graduates Alonzo King LINES trainee program. 

In July, Kristine will depart on her annual teaching and research trip to South Africa, joined by our artistic partners Nathan Bartman and Ciara Baldwin. 

This Summer, we are working to bring two South African students to train with Manhattan Youth Ballet. 

Sincerely, 

Kristine Elliott
Founder & Director
Gugulethu Ballet Project