In April, we proudly welcomed the American Academy of Ballet (AAB) Performance Awards once again, with 31 of our dancers taking part. Their dedication and artistry shone throughout the event, resulting in remarkable success: 2 students achieved Silver with Distinction, 13 earned Silver with Double Distinction, another 13 received Gold, and 4 were honoured with Gold with Distinction. We are also thrilled that 20 of our dancers have been offered scholarships to attend the American Academy of Ballet’s prestigious summer program in New York in 2026. In May, our dancers — Caylee, Cayden, Christina, Gabriella, Jana, and Rikhardt — took to the stage at the Cape Town Ballet Eisteddfod, where their passion and hard work truly shone. Together, they achieved 4 Honours (70–84%) and an impressive 15 Diplomas (85–100%). Among the many highlights, Gabriella (9) was named winner in both the Classical and Open Choice sections, while Caylee (10) claimed the top award for Open Choice. Cayden (17–19) excelled with wins in Classical, Demi-Character, and Open Choice, and was further honoured with the title of Best Open Choice Solo of the Eisteddfod . To complete the list of achievements, Jana, Christina, Gabriella, and Caylee (11–12) danced their way to victory as winners of the Pre-Amateur Quartet. After qualifying at the PE Regionals in February, Cayden, Christina, and Jaden proudly represented our studio at the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) in Cape Town in July. Their week was filled with classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances — a true celebration of dedication and artistry, as they danced every single day. A standout moment came when their duet “Care to Dance?” , performed by Christina and Jaden, was chosen for the prestigious Gala evening and honoured as Best Duet of the Competition In August, our dancers delivered an unforgettable week of performances at the Friendly City Dance Festival. With 26 pupils, 160 costumes, and 78 dazzling dances, our team filled the stage with energy, passion, and artistry. Their hard work paid off with remarkable results — 2 Bronzes, 27 Silvers, 31 Golds, and an impressive 18 Double Golds. Special congratulations go to Cayden, winner of Ballet, Modern, and National sections (17–18 Boys); Jaden, winner of Ballet and National (13– 14 Boys); Christina, winner of Ballet and National (11–12 Girls); and Gabriella, winner of Ballet (9–10 Girls) and proud recipient of the Little Cherub Award for “Most Promising Junior in Any Genre.” Both Cayden and Jaden also shone in the Ballet Championships, earning runner-up placements. Adding to the celebrations, Echoes of Silence — choreographed by Courtney-Drew Meyer and Tiffany Meyer — lit up the stage and was awarded Best Ensemble for Ballet , a well- deserved recognition of the dancers’ unity and grace Echoes of Silence (by Courtney-Drew Meyer & Tiffany Meyer) - Cayden, Chloe M., Christina, Gabriella, Gemma D., Isabella M., Jaden, Jana, Joli, Kiara, Lise-Mari, Rikhardt, Tiffany, Zélie Blind Mice Boogie (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Ada, Amberleigh, Leah Fire (by Sidwell Roman & Reimagined by Zélie de Villiers) - Alysa Hop Along (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Aleni, Gemma H., Jade, Katie, Madi Rose, Mara, Nina Fuego en Cuatro: Fire in Four (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Cayden, Rikhardt, Tiffany, Zélie Crazy Little Thing Called Love (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - April Lynn, Claire, Coco, Ivy, Jessica, Lyla, Peyton, Sofia, Zara Lavender Blue (by Sidwell Roman) - Caisley, Chloe H., Emily, Hannah H., Isabella VR. Lily, Mia-Lee, Miané A., Miané T., Phoebe, Reinhardt, Talia P. Blue Birds (by Sidwell Roman) - Freya, Lucy, Mia M., Ruby-Rae, Talia D. Daughter of the Dunes (by Sidwell Roman) - Kiara Bound Together (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Rikhardt, Tiffany, Zélie Cossack Dance (by Sidwell Roman) - Ava, Carley, Caylee, Chloe M., Christina, Gabriella, Joli, Lamila, Olwamuthando, Sophia Russian (by Sidwell Roman) - Cayden Czárdás (by Sidwell Roman) - Dalene, Hannah, Jaycene-Fay, Karléne, Kirsty, Kyla, Lenise, Louisa, Tina Feet of Flames (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Christina, Isabella M., Jana, Lise- Mari, Olivia, Zélie Reflections (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Alysa & Kiara Butterfly Chase (by Sidwell Roman) - April Lynn, Ivy, Talia D. Mazurka (by Sidwell Roman) - Cazlyn, Emmah, Gemma D., Jasmine Blue Danube (by Sidwell Roman) - Alysa, Cayden, Gemma D., Jaden, Karléne, Kiara, Olivia, Rikhardt, Zélie In late August, 10 of our students travelled to Port Elizabeth for the Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival. They truly impressed, with 39 dances entered and remarkable results: 2 Silver medals, 6 High Silver medals and 31 Gold medals. The team’s success continued with top honours across several categories. In the Ballet Age Groups, Gabriella won the 9–10 Years section, while Cayden triumphed in the 18 Years & Over (Boys) division. The Championships brought further accolades: Jaden claimed the Junior Ballet Championship (Boys) , and Cayden added the Masters Ballet Championship (Boys) title to his achievements. Cayden’s excellence also extended to Modern, where he won the 18 Years & Over (Boys) category, and to National/Character Dance, where Chloe and Gabriella (9–10 Years), Christina (11–12 Years), Zélie (13–14 Years), and Cayden (17–18 Years Boys) each stood out in their divisions. The week concluded on a celebratory note with two special awards: Cayden received both the Gwen Mary Wells Award for Most Outstanding Senior Dancer and the Wgruv Experience Award , marking an inspiring finish to a remarkable festival. To finish the year on a high note, twelve of our students bravely stepped into their RAD exams — and their hard work truly paid off. The results were exceptional, with 1 Merit, 6 High Merits, 4 Distinctions, and 1 High Distinction. It was a wonderful way to conclude a year filled with growth, courage, and achievement! Ballet has always been a constant in my life. Moving to Knysna from Joburg as a little girl, I could never have imagined how special my seven years at this studio would be. I am so grateful to have had both Courtney and Sidwell, who taught me different aspects of dance. With their guidance, I slowly came out of my shell, and it became easier for me to express myself through dance. I learned that what you portray on stage is as much about technique as it is about connecting with your audience. I admire Sidwell’s high standards and his attention to detail, whilst still weaving his unique humour into a class. I admire Courtney’s adventurous ideas and have enjoyed being a part of her creative process. She is an inspiration to me and puts her heart into everything she does. I will cherish those long rehearsal days at the studio, preparing for festivals, shows and competitions. Ballet became a place where I could just lose myself in the music. It has taught me not only how far my leg can stretch, but also how far my perseverance can stretch. It builds character and teaches you such vital lessons that I will always carry with me. Also, a big thanks to all my fellow dancers! You have enriched my time here and I appreciate you all so much. xx I appreciate Sidwell for meeting me where I was at and gently reintroducing me to the technical side of ballet. His kindness and the way that he never fails to put a smile on my face when he cracks a joke in class and his true passion for ballet, is inspiring. Courtney encouraged me to join the studio before I even thought it was a possibility. I admire her work ethic and the way she gives of herself to her dancers. She has been a breath of fresh air. She’s not afraid to push the ballet boundaries and that’s where we really found each other. Ballet is more than just a sport or an art form. It has taught me important lessons that I’ll carry with me for life: discipline, dedication and teamwork. The memories I’ve made with this special ballet community is something I’ll treasure. I never thought that after ending ballet at the age of 6, that this gymnast would return to it after a 9 year hiatus. I couldn’t be more grateful that it was here, at this studio, that I came back to ballet. I’ve learnt so much in these last 3 years and I know I wouldn’t have grown as much as a dancer, if it wasn’t for Sidwell and Courtney. I can't believe that this is my fifth and final show with Sidwell Roman School of Ballet. I still remember how nervous I was to meet so many new people from this studio and today they are some of my closest friends. I have learnt so much from everyone and made memories that will last me a lifetime. I have always loved dance, but getting to dance with a team as special as this one has truly been incredible. I remember wanting nothing more than to be a full part of this studio and dance with these people everyday. That, alongside my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer, is what led to me leaving school to train full time here in Knysna as a vocational dancer, and it's been the best decision I've ever made. Every show, competition and every class has been an opportunity to learn and grow not only as a dancer but as a person. I've learnt these past two years that hard work and determination will get you further than anything else. It can be a lonely and difficult road to success in the world of ballet but having fellow dancers and teachers that truly care about me have been a constant beacon of hope and motivation. Now, after five years since my first show with this studio, I say goodbye to my teachers and friends as I prepare to embark on my next chapter: a pre- professional ballet career in New York City. I wouldn't have achieved this goal without the support of Teacher Sidwell, who has helped me become the best dancer I could possibly be through all the lessons learnt from 20 hours a week in the studio with him, as well as helping me grow and develop as a person. Thank you to Teacher Courtney for always believing in me, and for the valuable input you have provided these past two years. I will miss everyone from the studio, and although I'll be across an ocean, I know I'll always have a home here with my Knysna family. Under His Eye (by Courtney-Drew Meyer & Tiffany Meyer) - Alysa, Christina, Gemma D., Isabella M., Jana, Kiara, Lise-Mari, Zélie Flames of Paris (by Sidwell Roman) - Cayden, Jaden, Rikhardt When Will My Life Begin (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Freya, Lucy, Mia M., Ruby-Rae, Talia D. Sugar Rush (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Alysa, Courtney, Kiara, Tiffany, Zélie Adagio Pas de Deux from Paquita (Sidwell Roman) - Cayden & Hannah Hot Pursuit (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Cazlyn, Emmah, Gemma, Jasmine, Olivia One Last Time (by Alysa Stead, Kiara Stead & Zélie de Villiers) - Alysa, Kiara, Zélie French Can-Can (by Sidwell Roman) - Christina, Isabella, Jana, Lise-Mari Bruisin Babes (by Courtney-Drew Meyer & Tiffany Meyer) - Ava, Carley, Caylee, Chloe M., Gabriella, Joli, Lamila, Olwamuthando, Sophia In Another Life (by Courtney-Drew Meyer & Tiffany Meyer) - Cayden & Zélie Moana (by Sidwell Roman) - April Lynn, Claire, Coco, Ivy, Jessica, Lyla, Peyton, Sofia, Zara Entr'acte (by Sidwell Roman) - Christina, Gabriella, Jaden Under the Red Light (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Alysa, Céline, Courtney, Hannah, Kiara, Kirsty, Kyla, Lenise, Louisa, Tiffany, Tina, Zélie The Shark Shuffle (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Lily & Talia D. Shadows of Grace (by Courtney-Drew Meyer) - Chloe M., Christina, Gabriella, Joli Valhalla (by Sidwell Roman) - Alysa, Cayden, Gemma, Jaden, Karléne, Kiara, Olivia, Rikhardt, Zélie Montessori Creche Klankekalante Speelskool Primary Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 4 Grade 5 Intermediate Advanced Adult Class Intermediate Foundation All our backstage volunteers Costumes: Fiona Meterlerkamp, Karl é ne Young, Katinka Ruhe, Louisa Clayton, Lynn Kayster, Maude Morton, Retha Van Niekerk, Tiffany Meyer Wardrobe: Debé Meyer Sound: Philip Bunge Lights & Venue: Knysna Primary School Filming: A&M Photography Photography: Danie Coetzee Poster: Tiffany Meyer Tickets sales: Tina Jonsson and Knysna Super Spar Marketing, Admin & Program: Céline de Villiers To our wonderful dance families — your constant support, enthusiasm, and belief in us have carried our studio through another unforgettable year. Every lift, leap, and smile on stage is made possible by your encouragement behind the scenes, and we are deeply grateful. A special word of thanks goes to Debé, Tiffany, and Céline. Your tireless work and calm presence make every rehearsal, competition and performance come together seamlessly. And to our amazing students — this performance is your triumph. Your passion, perseverance, and joy in dance continue to inspire us all. We couldn’t be prouder of how far you’ve come and all that you’ve achieved this year. With all our love, Courtney & Sidwell