RP sends 1st bet to prestigious ballet competition

As the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) celebrates its 50th anniversary in East Asia, an outstanding Filipino ballerina is set to take part for the first time in the Genée International Ballet Competition—one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for young ballet dancers and the RAD’s flagship event. It will be held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from August 26 to September 3.

In a special announcement released by the British Council, Mary Beatrice Saludares of Steps Dance Studio was named the official Philippine candidate to this year’s Genée International Ballet Competition.

At 17 years old, Saludares is enrolled as a sophomore dance major at the University of the Philippines. She was also one of the first three RAD Solo Seal Candidates from the Philippines this year. Accompanying her will be Filipino RAD teachers Malen Claravall and Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, along with lone Filipino RAD examiner Raul Sauz.

The 2006 Genée International Ballet Competition in Hong Kong will again acknowledge the great international appeal of ballet. The Genée is a demanding competition and attracts the finest young ballet dancers aged 14 to 19 from all over the world. It offers a unique opportunity to work with and learn from world-renowned teachers and choreographers and also the chance to dance on the best international stages.

**Taken from ABS CBN Interactive
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