From Pretoria to California: Young South African Ballerina Targets International Stage

At five years old, Oratilwe Semono was captivated by ballet after watching Sofia the First. What began as a childhood fascination has since grown into years of disciplined training, competition, and sacrifice. Now, the young Pretoria dancer is preparing for a life-changing opportunity to perform on the international stage.

Oratilwe is set to represent the Ezintle School of Dance at the Wild Rivers Coast Nutcracker in California, United States. For the Semono family, the milestone marks a proud moment in their daughter’s journey, allowing her to take the technique she honed in Pretoria to a global audience.

Her mother, Lebogang Semono, first noticed her daughter’s passion when Oratilwe was five. After buying her a dress-up outfit, Lebogang searched for formal dance classes across Pretoria. In 2019, she enrolled her daughter at the Ezintle School of Dance in Pretoria West, initially thinking the interest might be a passing phase.

Instead, Oratilwe’s passion only deepened.

“She would never complain. Every Saturday she would remind me, ‘Mama, today is the time to go to ballet, what time are we going?’” Semono recalled.

A younger Oratilwe Semono displaying her American Dance Awards trophy and medal from earlier in her dance journey.

Photo: Lebogang Semono

Since joining the school, Oratilwe has trained relentlessly, attending Saturday classes alongside extra rehearsals ahead of major competitions. Her commitment extends well beyond the studio, with home practice forming a core part of her routine.

Her dedication has paid off on the competitive circuit, including appearances at the American Dance Association (ADA), the International Fine Arts Association (IFAA), and the Dance Talent and Modeling Association (DTMA). Semono noted that Oratilwe placed first in the IFAA last year and bagged the Overall Ballet Beginner Award at the DTMA this year, progressing seamlessly from provincial trials to nationals.

However, pursuing elite ballet requires balancing ambition with real life. When demanding dance schedules briefly impacted Oratilwe’s academic performance, her mother paused her lessons for a school term to re-establish her focus. Once her marks recovered, she returned to the floor stronger than ever.

Oratilwe Semono (center) standing on the 1st-place podium at the International Fine Arts Association (IFAA) competition.

Photo: Lebogang Semono

The family has also faced the steep financial barriers that often hold back young South African dancers. In 2024, Oratilwe qualified for training with the US-based Brown Ballerinas, but travel costs and visa constraints kept her grounded. Semono attempted to secure corporate sponsorship, but time ran out before the funds could be raised.

Now, Oratilwe has earned a second chance to take her talent abroad. She qualified for the Wild Rivers Coast Nutcracker through a rigorous two-round audition process. While her travel visa has already been approved, funding remains the final hurdle.

Semono revealed that the family has raised R11,000 so far, but requires approximately R50,000 to cover travel and accommodation alongside her instructors. The cost will rise further if her mother accompanies her.

To bridge the gap, Semono has organised the Hiking for Purpose fundraising event at Groenkloof Nature Reserve on 31 October and 14 November. The family is appealing to corporate sponsors and the public for assistance. Further details on how to contribute are available via her TikTok handle, @phuti_dance_mom.

For Oratilwe, performing in California is more than just another showcase—it is a chance to sharpen her craft on an international platform. Her mother says Oratilwe hopes to proudly represent South Africa on stage and inspire the next generation of township and suburban dancers to chase their dreams.

Official fundraising poster for Oratilwe Semono's upcoming performance trip to California, featuring event, contribution, and contact details.

Photo: Lebogang Semono