Gabriel Ahrens’ ballet talent has opened the door for a scholarship at the Miami City Ballet School. He is hoping to fulfil this dream so he can achieve his career ambition – becoming a principal dancer at a world-renowned ballet company.
At six-foot tall, 17-year-old Gabriel Ahren’s dedication to his art is so inspirational that no amount of social pressure, prejudices and misconceptions, which he has had his fair share of, has been able to divert him from his dreams. He believes, much like his inspiration Billy Elliot, who remains an enduring symbol of what it’s like being a male ballet dancer, that ballet is not just for girls.
First introduced to dance at the age of 11, Gabriel is the now the leading male ballet dancer in the province. Training under Beverley and Kerry Hall of the KZN Dance Centre, he says he fell in love with ballet because of its elegance, the power of its choreography and the artistry of its movement.
“Ballet was the last dance style I learned. I started off doing contemporary, jazz, tap and Latin dancing. I remember watching the older ballet pupils rehearse for their exams and being in awe of how graceful this style of dancing was and how disciplined they were. It really moved me.”
And from the day he took his first plié, Gabriel felt invigorated. He was soon scouted by the artistic director of the Cape Town City Ballet to join their Male Development Programme, he won several South African-based dance competitions, a trip to Croatia to compete against other international dancers and, in 2022, won the Caryl Dixon Shield for Advanced 1 in Cecchetti.
While barriers traditionally faced by male dancers are gradually breaking down, some remain. Still, Gabriel’s story of incredible hard work, physical accomplishments and achievements overcoming expectations makes him an incredible role model for young boys facing prejudice.
“I’ve had my share of stereotypes, but the most important thing I’ve learned is that this is about doing what makes me happy. In life, there will always be people who want to see us fail. The best way to deal with this is to ignore it. Focus on you. I’m so comfortable in my own skin and the peace I find when I dance far outweighs the negative stuff.”
As a Grade 10 learner who home schools through Stonewall Tutor Centre in Hillcrest, Gabriel can keep up with a rigorous training schedule of four hours a day six days a week.
“To stay fit and strong, it is important to know and understand how your body works and why we do the things we do. In addition to my training, I’ve found that yoga and Pilates are the best exercises to boost alignment and improve my technique.”
While the 12-month pre-professional scholarship covers tuition and housing, Gabriel needs funds to cover personal expenses like transport, food and any medical appointments. To make this dream a reality, the funding of his monthly expenses must be guaranteed. Miami City Ballet School are assisting and have set up a Go Fund Me profile on Gabriel’s behalf. So far $3000 has been raised. Another $15 000 is needed – close to R280 000.
As one of four siblings raised alone by his mum Bronwen after his dad died in 2016, Gabriel has no reservations about going overseas.
“The loss of my dad, as well as my love for ballet has taught me maturity, independence, responsibility and dedication. I am so ready for this.”
Not one to easily feel overwhelmed, Gabriel is optimistic they will manage to raise the outstanding funds. Assuming he will stay on abroad to further chase his dreams once he has completed his scholarship, Gabriel has his sights set on dancing for the Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen as he fancies the Bournonville style of ballet.
“My biggest aspiration is to pass my knowledge on to younger generations and reignite a passion for this powerful art form. Ballet isn’t just about the girls. It’s about YOU! Ballet is my escape from everything. It’s rewarding.
“I love the adrenalin and the excitement from the audience when I dance. I’m grateful to the people who still support this dance form; who come and watch ballet live in the theatre and give me reason to love what I do. I am also humbled by the incredible support I’ve had over the years and the opportunity of a lifetime I’ve been given. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me.”
Anyone who would like to help Gabriel get to Miami can visit his Go Fund Me page https://gofund.me/34cff2a5
