Shanghai Ballet dancers stand out at South African International Ballet Competition

Three dancers from Shanghai Ballet, Feng Zichun, Tu Hanbin, and Gong Liwei (from left to right), pose for a group photo at the sixth South African International Ballet Competition on March 3. [Photo/sina.com.cn]

The Shanghai Ballet won one gold and two silver medals at the sixth South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) that concluded on March 3 in Cape Town.

Ballet dancers Tu Hanbin and Feng Zichun performed the Grand pas Classique and won the gold medal of Men's Seniors Group and the silver medal of Women's Juniors Group respectively. Gong Liwei took the silver prize of Seniors Group for his outstanding performance of Paquita and Coppelia.

The SAIBC, founded by Dirk Badenhorst, was first launched in 2008 and has grown into one of Cape Town's most anticipated dance events.

This year, the competition attracted 87 contestants from 14 countries, the largest number compared to previous years. The contestants were divided into three categories – Scholars aged 12 to 15, Juniors aged 16 to 20, and Seniors aged 21 to 28.

Tu Hanbin and Feng Zichun perform the Grand pas Classique. [Photo/sina.com.cn]

Gong Liwei performs a solo dance Freedom. [Photo/sina.com.cn]