A year of growth, opportunity and possibility

This year has already been an extraordinary one for Gugulethu Ballet Project, and we are excited to share some of what your support has made possible.We began the year with two weeks of intensive work across three different areas of Cape Town, reaching more than 100 young dancers. Three incredible teachers joined us to share repertoire from American Ballet Theatre and MANACAN, giving students the chance to experience new styles, approaches and ways of working right on their doorstep. At the same time, Chuma Mathiso and Milisa Mathiso were beginning remarkable opportunities of their own in Italy through a fly-out programme with Vivo Dance Centre, fully funded by Gugulethu Ballet Project. Milisa spent three months there, while Chuma stayed for nine months, working with more than nine choreographers and gaining experiences that have already had a profound impact on their development.

Since returning to South Africa, Milisa has become a full-time company dancer with South Africa’s renowned Jazzart Dance Theatre. Chuma has joined the Joburg Ballet Company, where he is currently a paid dancer in a six-month pre-professional training programme and working toward the possibility of joining the company in the coming year. We could not be prouder.

And then there was Houston.

Two beautiful young dancers from Zolani, Solima and Lakhiwe, spent five weeks at Houston Ballet this summer. They trained intensively, made new friendships and gained invaluable insight into the international dance world. We are now helping Lakhiwe plan his next steps and further training in South Africa, while Solima has been invited to remain in Houston for a full year of training with Houston Ballet Academy.

None of these opportunities happen without the people who believe in these young dancers and in what is possible for them.

You helped make these opportunities possible. Thank you.

1. The Impact of Your Support:

Because of your support, this year our students and artists have been able to:

Access high-quality international training and learn from teachers and artists from around the world
Travel internationally and experience new cultures, communities and ways of working
Work with leading artists, choreographers and institutions
Experience different approaches to dance, theatre and creative practice
Build friendships, relationships and professional networks that can continue long after the opportunity ends
Audition for international programmes and professional opportunities
Take steps towards professional careers in dance and the wider creative industries

These opportunities are about so much more than simply getting on a plane and going somewhere. The travel is wonderful, but what really matters is everything that comes with it, the confidence that grows, the people they meet, the knowledge they bring home, the artistic development and the belief that they can build a future for themselves.

Whether our students ultimately become professional dancers or take a completely different path, our team is always working closely with them to make sure they feel supported, encouraged and prepared for whichever direction their futures take. We want them to know that they have people behind them who believe in them, and that their dreams and ambitions are worth investing in.

2. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for GBP

We have so many exciting things coming up next year. One of the opportunities we are particularly excited about is hopefully beginning a partnership with dancers and dance teachers in Nigeria who are in real need of support, training and opportunities. This connection has come through a wonderful artist called Profit, who is a dancer in Nigeria. We are hoping to work together to reach more young dancers who need support and access to quality teaching and training, as well as supporting the teachers who are working with them. It feels like a really exciting next step for Gugulethu Ballet Project and a chance to connect with and support an even wider community of dancers.

We are also looking forward to a Gala in March 2027. We can't wait to see where Chuma's journey takes him after his time at Johannesburg Ballet and whether this leads to the next exciting chapter of his professional career. And of course, his wonderful brother Solima who will be in Houston ballet doing his year long study program.

And, as always, we will be back in South Africa with our wonderful team, continuing to visit and work with the dancers there and seeing how everyone is progressing. There is so much happening, and so many possibilities ahead, which is what makes this work so exciting for us. We really feel like we are only just getting started.

3. Inside the Residency: Ciara’s Reflection

Firstly, thank you so much for having me. As always, this trip was incredibly special and something I feel very grateful to be part of.

The two weeks were absolutely packed with beautiful hours spent with so many wonderful students, teachers, artists, and communities. Every time I come back to South Africa to work with Gugulethu Ballet Project, I'm reminded of how meaningful these experiences are, and this year was no different.

We started in McGregor, which was amazing. It's such a beautiful place to work, and it was wonderful to see the dancers from Zolani (Dancescape) and McGregor (First Step Ballet) come together again in the Symbulon arts centre.. One of the things I always love most about these residencies is seeing dancers from completely different backgrounds, cultures, upbringings, and even dance styles come together and connect through dance.

Because Kristine has spent years bringing these groups together, there are now real friendships between many of the dancers. In their feedback forms, so many of them mentioned that one of their favourite parts of the residency was simply spending time with each other and dancing together. I found that really moving. In a world that often feels divided, it's quite beautiful to watch young people build genuine connections through art.

Nathan and I had prepared an excerpt from our work Ritual for the dancers. We felt ready to give them something a little more mature and challenging than some of the work we've brought in previous years, and it was exciting to see how they would respond to it. They did a fantastic job.

What made it even more special was that this work has had quite a journey already. We'd performed some of Ritual at the San Francisco Gala the previous year, and we'd also shared parts of the repertoire with Milissa Mathiso and Chuma Mathiso during their time in Rome. To then see the work living on in a younger generation of dancers was really special.

Unfortunately, I got quite sick for a couple of days during the residency and wasn't able to teach for two days. That was definitely a low point for me because I hated missing time with the students. At the same time, though, it ended up becoming something interesting.

Because Melissa Mathiso and Thimna Ndwe stepped in and completely took over teaching the choreography. They taught brilliantly, kept me updated with videos every day, and carried everything forward with so much confidence and professionalism. Watching them step into leadership roles was really rewarding. We've worked with and mentored them for years, so to see them discover their own teaching voices felt really special. It gave them a chance to explore whether teaching is something they enjoy and might want to pursue further, and they handled it beautifully.

At the end of the week we shared some of the work with family members, friends, and the local community. We hadn't originally planned on doing a performance, but these informal sharings always end up feeling really meaningful.

One particularly special part of the evening came from a family who had travelled from Worcester. Throughout the week, the mother had been making beautiful food for the dancers every day, helping create such a warm and caring environment. During the final sharing, they also treated us to a performance of traditional Rieldans, which was such a gift to experience. It added another layer to the evening and reminded us of the incredible richness of the different communities connected to the project.

Another huge highlight of the residency was getting to work alongside Chrisi Flemming and Harriet Clark.

I'd met Chrisi briefly in San Francisco before, but this was the first time we really got to work together properly. Harriet was completely new to me. Before arriving I'd looked into her work and background and was honestly so excited to meet her.

I often have these little "pinch me" moments when I'm in studios with people who have dedicated their lives to this field and have had such rich careers and experiences. I learn so much just from watching how they teach, communicate, prepare, and work with students.

Harriet was incredible. She took her work seriously, came prepared, and brought so much energy every single day, while somehow remaining completely humble, kind, and generous. She was honestly like an energiser bunny in the best possible way. The students absolutely loved her and I loved watching how she worked.

Chrisi was equally incredible. One of the really exciting additions this year was having dedicated visual art sessions alongside the dance training. The students absolutely loved it.

Whether they were drawing, painting, making jewellery, or simply creating together, they really embraced those moments. It was beautiful to watch. Sometimes we think of these things as play, but they're learning so much through that process too. Creativity is creativity, whether it's happening through movement, paint, crayons, or making something with your hands.

What really stood out to me was the way Chrisi connected with each child individually. She seemed to understand what they needed, what interested them, and how they were feeling. Her care and attentiveness were extraordinary, and the students clearly felt that.

After McGregor, we moved to Zolani and worked with the Dancecape dancers there.

There's always something special about returning to Zolani. It feels like the heart of where so much of this began. Maybe it's Fiona's legacy that still lives so strongly in that space, but there is such soul in that room.

One of my favourite things is seeing younger children sitting at the doors watching rehearsals. Their eyes are full of excitement and dreams about dancing one day themselves. It's such a simple thing, but it always reminds me why this work matters.

We continued developing the choreography we'd started in McGregor and also worked with different groups of dancers throughout the week.

One of the greatest joys of returning year after year is seeing the growth in the students. Dancers like Lakhiwe and Solima, who are now heading towards opportunities like Houston, have grown so much. Some of these dancers we've known since they were very small, and every year you see another layer of maturity, artistry, and confidence emerge. There is so much talent there.

Another lovely highlight was being invited by Odwa to watch the Zolani Youth Choir rehearse.

I don't really know how to describe it other than saying it was one of those moments where the hairs on your arms stand up. The singing was breathtaking. It was one of the most beautiful things we experienced during the trip.

From there we moved on to Cape Town, which was short but very sweet.

This year we partnered with Marlin Zoutman’s New World Dance Theatre and held a three day intensive. What I really enjoyed was working with dancers we had never worked with before. I've had the privilege to work with many dancers in Cape Town over the years that it was refreshing to meet a completely new group and get a sense of the different training happening across the city.

The dancers had strong ballet foundations and good contemporary training too. We taught the same ballet and contemporary repertoire we'd been sharing throughout the residency, and while I think they were slightly shocked by the intensity on the first day, they quickly got stuck in and embraced the challenge.

It was a wonderful three days and a great introduction to what I hope can become an ongoing relationship.

One of my favourite things about coming back to South Africa and working with Gugulethu Ballet Project is getting to work with so many dancers in such a concentrated period of time. You get to know people quickly. You learn names, personalities, strengths, challenges, and dreams.

There's something magical about dance. It doesn't matter what language you speak. Somehow people find ways to connect and communicate through movement. There is always something special that develops between the dancers, teachers, staff, and communities during these trips, and it's one of the reasons I keep coming back.

Having Chrissy and Harriet there this year was definitely a highlight, and of course I always love working alongside Kristine. These trips never seem to get old. They remain deeply meaningful, fulfilling, and inspiring every single time.

Looking ahead, I'd love to see us reach even more dancers, perhaps through additional schools and community partnerships. It feels like there is still so much potential to grow what is already such a special programme.

Finally, I just want to say thank you.

Being able to return home to South Africa and work with dancers like these is something I never take for granted. The opportunity to connect with so many young people through dance, and to watch them grow year after year, is beyond special.

Thank you for trusting me with the work, for creating these opportunities, and for continuing to invest in these communities and young artists. I'm incredibly grateful to be a small part of it all.

4. Chuma’s Journey: From Rome to Johannesburg

My time in Rome was a very important part of my journey as a dancer and as a person. When I first arrived, everything was new to me. I was far from home, in a different country, with a different culture and language. It was exciting, but it also came with many challenges that helped me grow.

One of the special parts of my experience was having my sister with me for three months. Being away from home can sometimes feel lonely, so having family close by meant a lot to me. We were able to spend time together, support each other and create memories in a completely different country. It reminded me how important it is to stay connected to the people who matter most.

One of the biggest highlights of Rome was meeting people from all over the world. I made many international friends and learned about different cultures, traditions and ways of life. I also had the opportunity to audition in Milan and Amsterdam, which gave me a real insight into the international dance world. Auditioning outside of my home country taught me a lot about confidence, resilience and how to present myself professionally. Even when things didn't go exactly as planned, I learned something from every opportunity.

Working with different choreographers and teachers was also an amazing experience. Everyone had their own style and way of thinking about movement, and I had to become more adaptable and versatile. We also worked on theatrical pieces, which was a completely different challenge for me. I learned to take corrections, think quickly and trust myself more as an artist.

Having the opportunity to work with MANACAN again was particularly special. They have been part of my dance journey since I was a child, and being able to meet and work with them abroad for the second time, in two different countries, was a real honour. It reminded me how small the dance world can be and how important long-term relationships are in this profession.

Another highlight was having the opportunity to perform in Rome and choreograph my own work properly for the first time. Being on stage in such a historic and beautiful city was unforgettable. It reminded me why I love dancing and why I continue to pursue this path.

Living in another country also taught me many things outside of dance. Dealing with Italian bureaucracy, permits, tax codes and paperwork was definitely challenging, and the language barrier sometimes made even simple things more complicated. In the studio, I also worked with teachers who didn't speak or understand English, so I had to really focus, watch their body language and make sure I understood the movement correctly. Over time, this became much easier and taught me to think quickly, concentrate and read my environment better.

I was also the only male dancer in the group, which was a new experience for me. Usually there are at least a few male dancers around, so I had to learn how to establish my presence within the group. In the end, it became another valuable experience that helped me grow in confidence as a male dancer.

Outside of dance, having my best friend Blake in Rome made the experience even more special. We explored the city together, met new people and made so many memories. I also got to see his parents again, which was really meaningful as they have always been very kind and welcoming towards me. Having familiar faces around while being so far from home gave me another sense of family.

And of course, Rome itself was unforgettable. Visiting places like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, walking around the city with friends and discovering new places were memories I will always have. There were definitely difficult moments too. Living away from my family and everything familiar was not always easy, but those challenges made me more independent, patient and confident.

Overall, my time in Rome gave me so much, as a dancer and as a person. I am very grateful for every opportunity, every lesson and every person I met along the way, and especially for the support from my dance teacher and the sponsorship from Gugulethu Ballet Project that made this experience possible. I will carry everything I learned with me into whatever comes next.

Now in Johannesburg

I’m now back in South Africa and doing really well in the Johannesburg Ballet internship programme. It feels really good to be back home and to be able to bring everything I have learned from my experiences abroad back with me. I feel like I have a lot more knowledge, confidence and experience to share, and it means a lot to me to be developing as a dancer here in South Africa.

This week has been really busy because we just performed at the Lesedi Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. The piece was choreographed by Gabriela, who was previously with Cape Town City Ballet and moved to Joburg Ballet last year. It was a contemporary piece that she originally choreographed for the company, and we were able to perform it as part of the theatre's festival. It was our first performance together, and even for the students who were already here before me, it was a really exciting experience. I loved the choreography and Gabriela was so lovely to work with.

We are also currently working on Carmen for an upcoming performance with the company. I am still understudying, but I have been given the role of the Captain of the Soldiers. It is a very detailed piece and there is a lot of coordination involved, but so far so good! I am currently in the second or third cast, so it has been really busy, but I am loving it.

I am learning so much every day and really enjoying being part of the programme. My goal is hopefully to join the company in January, so I am working hard and trying to take in as much as I can before the programme finishes at the end of December.

After spending so much time abroad, it feels really good to be back in South Africa and to be able to bring my experiences and talents back home. I am really proud of how far I have come, and I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me.

5. Milisa’s Journey: From Rome to Jazzart

My experience at Vivo was educational, positive and productive. Having different choreographers who choreograph different styles was my highlight because it is an important skill to be able to adapt to different styles as a dancer.

I enjoyed working with the other dancers on their own choreographies, it was challenging but the more we worked on them, the more they got better. It was nice adding my own spice on other people’s choreographies also. Working with Katarina was interesting because we were acting and having fun on stage which is something I was not used to.

I got to learn a bit of Italian because it was challenging to communicate. I met nice people there that were interested about my country and how it is here is South Africa and they got to tell me about their country also.

I’ll always be grateful to Gugulethu Ballet project and everyone that always support me. I grew as a dancer and as a person. As a professional dancer now At Jazzart Dance Theatre I can see I have grown and improved. There is a lot of difference now from being a trainee to being a professional, it requires a lot and you have to work extra hard. My passion and love for dance keep me going.

6. Solima & Lakhiwe: From South Africa to Houston

Solima Mathiso
From the time moment went to Houston ballet all the teachers and dancers were very kind and welcoming, and I felt comfortable from the beginning. I had a lot of fun doing class with my friends and spending time with them outside of class as well. It was nice to be around dancers who were all working towards the same things and to learn from each other. I also really enjoyed the weight training because it is something that I already do at home, so it felt familiar to me, but I was also able to learn new things and push myself more physically.

My favourite teachers were Molina and Munoz because they both saw something in me that sometimes I don't see in myself. Molina especially understood where I come from and the situation that I am in. Every time after class he would come to me and motivate me. He would tell me that I am very good at dancing, that I must keep up the good work and keep working hard so that one day I can retire my parents. Hearing that from a teacher meant a lot to me because it made me feel like he really believed in me and could see that I have something special.

Munoz also pushed me to work hard. After class he would often say, “Very good, papi,” and even though it was a small thing, it made me feel proud and made me believe that what I was doing was good. Having teachers who encourage you like that makes you want to work harder because you know they are watching you and they want to see you improve.

One of the most important pieces of feedback Molina gave me was that I need to be more confident and show the teachers what I am made of. Sometimes I know that I can do something, but I don't always show it enough. He made me realise that being a good dancer is not only about the steps, but also about having confidence in yourself and showing your personality when you dance. That is something I am going to keep working on.

I didn't get a lot of corrections that I needed to work on, which was really good for me because it showed me that the training I have been doing at home and in South Africa has prepared me well. The main thing I need to continue working on is my feet, especially making sure they are strong, pointed and clean. I know this is something I can improve with more practice and consistency.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Houston. I learned a lot from the teachers, made good friendships with the other dancers and became more confident in myself. It was also nice to feel that the teachers could see my potential and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. I am very grateful that I got the opportunity to be there and experience this, and it has made me want to keep working even harder towards my goals.

Lakhiwe Salman

One of the things I remember most about Houston Ballet is the teachers and the friends I made there. Taking class every day was a really great experience for me because I was able to see how other dancers trained and learn from the teachers. I also really enjoyed the time I spent with my friends outside of class. We were all going through the same experience together, so it was nice to have people around me who understood what it was like to be away from home and doing something new.

I also really enjoyed the different classes that we had. One thing I especially miss is taking yoga classes. I enjoyed the way it helped me to stretch and recover, but also to become more aware of my body. It was something different from my normal ballet training, and I think it helped me in my dancing as well.

My favourite teacher was Mr Molina because he really encouraged me to work hard and motivated me throughout the programme. He reminded me that I must not forget the purpose of me being there. Sometimes when you are having fun and meeting new people, it can be easy to forget why you came in the first place, so that was important for me to hear. He made me think about my goals and reminded me that I am there to learn, improve myself and become a better dancer.

The biggest correction I received was that I need to work on my musicality. I need to listen more carefully to the music and not just do the steps, but really dance with the music and show what I am hearing. I also need to not be shy. I was told that I should show the teachers what I am made of and have more confidence in myself. I know that I can do the work, but sometimes I hold myself back, so this is something I want to keep working on.

Overall, Houston was a really good experience for me. I learned a lot from the teachers, especially about what I need to improve, but I also learned more about myself as a dancer. I made good memories with my friends, experienced a different way of training and got to see what it is like to be in an international dance environment. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to go, and I want to take everything I learned there and use it to keep improving when I am back home.

7. Thimna’s Journey: From Student to Mentor

The last few years have been such a full-circle journey for me. Many of you might remember me as one of the young dancers from Zolani / Dancescape. Through Gugulethu Ballet Project, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the US, I trained at Menlo Park Academy of Dance, attended Woodside High School, and went to San Francisco Ballet School for a summer intensive. Coming from Zolani to training in San Francisco and the Bay Area changed how I saw dance and what I believed was possible for myself. I learned that our dreams are valid no matter where we come from.

After my time in the US, I was so honoured to be sponsored by GBP again as a trainee at Jazzart Dance Theatre in 2023. Those three years at Jazzart challenged me in every way, mentally, physically, spiritually. I had to learn so many different styles, work with amazing teachers and choreographers, and really grew from a student into a pre-professional dancer. I am so grateful to GBP for helping with housing, groceries, transport and everything in between, it made it possible for me to focus and grow.

And now, life has come full circle again. I am working for Jazzart, not just as a dancer, but also on the other side, helping to keep things organized and running so the creative work can shine. At the same time, I continue to work with GBP, I volunteered as a dance teacher for the Mbulelo Ndabeni Foundation, and I am still teaching and bringing teachers back home in Zolani. My mission has always been the same: to make sure dance lives forever in Zolani.

What life has taught me since San Francisco is this: we lift as we climb. Every opportunity I was given, I want to bring back home. Dance taught me discipline and resilience, but GBP taught me community and giving back. That is the legacy I want to continue.

8. Solima’s Journey Continues: One Year in Houston

I am looking forward to improving as a dancer and as a person, being part of the performances, learning new things and most importantly having fun and enjoying the experience.

I am nervous and excited about performing with Houston Ballet dancers and being in a new environment. I am also very excited to experience the USA, especially spending Halloween and Christmas there, which will be a very special experience for me.

This opportunity means a lot to me because growing up I always wanted to go overseas, experience new things and see different places, just like my siblings have. It feels like a big step for me and a chance to experience something I have always dreamed about.

My ambition is to work hard, keep learning and become the professional dancer that I want to be. I want to use this opportunity to grow, challenge myself and become a better dancer and performer.

9. Help Us Make Solima’s Year Possible

As I look back on this extraordinary year, I am filled with gratitude, not only for what our students have accomplished, but for the people who have made these opportunities possible.

Gugulethu Ballet Project is a small organization with a very big belief: that talent should not be limited by where a child is born or by the circumstances into which they are born. Every time a young dancer steps into a studio, travels to a new country, meets an inspiring teacher, or discovers a new possibility for their future, we see that belief come to life.

We know we have asked for your support recently, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this summer’s Houston opportunity possible for Solima and Lakhiwe. You helped us get them there. We would not have been able to do it without you.

But now, another extraordinary opportunity has opened for Solima. He has been invited to remain in Houston for a full year of training with Houston Ballet Academy, and he begins next week.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a young dancer from Zolani, and one that could genuinely change the course of his life. But making it possible requires a significant commitment from us. We urgently need to raise $20,000 to help cover Solima’s housing, living expenses, transportation, school and other costs for the year.

So, with some hesitation but also with great conviction, I am asking you to consider making a contribution specifically toward Solima’s year in Houston. Whether you can give $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, or whatever is meaningful for you, your gift will help us close this $20,000 gap and give Solima the chance to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity.

We understand that we are asking again, and we do not take your generosity for granted. We are asking because we believe this is one of those moments when we simply have to step forward and do everything we can for a young person with extraordinary talent, determination and potential.

Thank you for believing in these remarkable young people, for believing in this work, and for believing with us in what is possible.

Talent should not be limited by where a child is born. Together, we can help turn talent into possibility, and possibility into a future.

2026 Mid-Year Update