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Ballet Performed in South African Bush for Rhinos' Sake

Marize de Klerk

   STERKRIVIER, SOUTH AFRICA - Artists are often at the forefront of
   social change as they use their works to address difficult political
   and cultural issues. While activist painters, filmmakers and musicians
   are probably most familiar, choreographers have also addressed social
   issues with their dance companies.

   In South Africa, protecting the environment and cultural heritage are
   the focus of the annual Ballet in the Bush initiative, where American
   dancers recently joined international and South African ballet talent
   for the sake of their art and an endangered species, the rhino.

   Ballet and rhinos are a duet in South Africa's Limpopo Province. Every
   year, dancers from South Africa and around the world -- complete with
   tutus and pointe shoes -- do a "special enclosure performance" for the
   calves in this rhino orphanage. The dancers in the Ballet in the Bush
   initiative showcase their talent, while shining a spotlight on the
   problem of rhino poaching.

   Cuban American Prima ballerina Adiarys Almeida was among the first
   participating dancers in 2014.

   "I was scared at first, but then it was fine," she said. "It was
   actually amazing to have them so close. I came back for the experience,
   but also for the good cause, like saving the rhinos. And I think it's
   just fantastic."

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