An Historic collaboration with Brown Ballerinas Global brings World-Class ballet training and international exposure to young South African dancers
GLM TEAM 
Joburg Ballet and Gqeberha’s Carl-Lee of Feet on Fire are proud to announce an extraordinary collaboration with Brown Ballerinas Global (BBG), an internationally-acclaimed initiative dedicated to redefining ballet by championing diversity and inclusion.
This partnership marks a monumental step in South Africa’s ballet landscape, offering young ballet dancers of all cultures, genders and races in both Johannesburg and Gqeberha an unparalleled opportunity to train with world-renowned professionals. Adding to the exemplary opportunity, 10 exceptional dancers from the programme will be selected to travel to the United States for the BBG USA Summer Programme, furthering their exposure to global ballet standards.
Founded by Paula Brown, a celebrated dancer, actress, choreographer, and singer with an illustrious career spanning Broadway, television, film, and global ballet education, BBG was born out of the need to create opportunities for dancers of colour. The organisation first launched at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., through the Social Impact Programme, and in 2023, successfully facilitated a cultural exchange that brought 33 South African dancers to the U.S. to experience world-class ballet training.
“The Brown Ballerinas Global summer intensives were created to foster diversity and inclusion in ballet. By offering these programmes, we empower young dancers, provide mentorship, and create access to world-class training that they may not have otherwise. Our collaboration with South Africa is a natural extension of our mission and an exciting step towards furthering cross-cultural exchange in the ballet world,” said Paula Brown, BBG Founder and Artistic Director.
“Joburg Ballet is thrilled to expand its collaborative efforts with the Brown Ballerinas organisation. We look forward to hosting our local and international guests in our world-class studios and are excited to foster future partnerships with the Brown Ballerinas,” said Elroy Fillis-Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg Ballet.
“Feet on Fire is proud to host this inspiring programme, providing young performers with a platform to grow, push artistic boundaries, collaborate, and showcase their talents. As a hub for the arts in Gqeberha, we are thrilled to be part of an initiative that nurtures the next generation of artists and brings world-class performance opportunities to our stage,” says Carl-Lee Symone Moodley from Feet on Fire.
A Transformational Experience for Young Dancers
This two-week summer intensive, running from 31 March to 12 April 2025, will be held in Johannesburg (from 31 March to 4 April) and Gqeberha (from 7 to 12 April), providing rigorous training in classical ballet, pointe, contemporary, Horton technique, and jazz. Participants will have the rare chance to learn from industry-leading choreographers and instructors, enhancing both their technical skills and artistic expression. A deposit of R250 is required upon registration and thereafter, R2000 is payable if children are accepted into the programme.
The programme kicks off in Johannesburg on Monday, 31 March, running from 8:00 to 16:00. The Qqeberha leg of the programme runs from Sunday, 7 April, to Friday, 12 April, with daily sessions from 15:00 to 21:00. Both programmes are open to children 6 and up with varying ballet experience.
It includes daily classes, masterclasses, and workshops aimed at enhancing technical skills and artistic expression. Participants will also engage in professional development, including career talks and networking opportunities.
Each programme culminates in a spectacular performance:
- 4 April at 19:00 at Joburg Ballet Studios (Tickets: R150 per person)
- 12 April at 13:00 at Impact Community Theatre, Gqeberha (Tickets: R150 per person)
A Powerful Sister-State Connection
The relationship between Prince George’s County, Maryland, where BBG is based, and South Africa is strengthened through their Sister State partnership, fostering cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. This collaboration between BBG and South African ballet institutions will create long-lasting opportunities for young dancers and reinforce South Africa’s growing influence in the global ballet community.
How to Apply
Dancers aged 6 and up are encouraged to apply early, as spots are limited. For applications and further information, please contact Carl-Lee Symone Moodley at feetonfirearts@outlook.com.
About Paula Brown
A trailblazer in the performing arts, Paula Brown is the founder of the Paula Brown Performing Arts Center, home to Brown Ballerinas Global. Her impressive career includes performing with Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, starring in Broadway and film productions such as The Wiz and Coming to America, choreographing for Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Good Morning America, and touring as a singer with Janet Jackson and James Brown. She is a professor of fine arts at Bowie State University and an advocate for diversity in ballet.
About Joburg Ballet
As South Africa’s premier ballet company, Joburg Ballet is dedicated to excellence in dance, training, and performance. With a vision to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, Joburg Ballet continues to collaborate with international institutions to bring world-class opportunities to South African talent.
About Feet on Fire Performing Arts Center and Carl-Lee Symone Moodley
Carl-Lee Symone Moodley, an accomplished performer and choreographer, founded Feet on Fire, a performing arts centre, in 2019. She has collaborated with prominent brands and events while actively participating in community outreach. With a B-Tech in Musical Theatre, Carl-Lee expanded her career into television, featuring in commercials, music videos, and a Hallmark film. As the head of the esteemed training facility, she continues to guide, inspire and push artistic boundaries ushering in a new generation of bold South African dancers.
To register for Johannesburg, please click here:
To register for Gqeberha:
Paula Brown
Paula Brown Performing Arts Center
Email: PaulaBrownPAC@gmail.com
OR
Keke Chele
Brown Ballerinas Global Assistant
Email: officialbrownballerinas@gmail.com
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