Cape Town - South Africans across the country are being called on to help bring to life the dream of a young ballet dancer who was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York.
Nineteen-year-old Hanover Park teen Faahkir Bestman, dubbed Hanover Park’s Billy Elliot, was awarded the wonderful opportunity just before his final matric exams last year. However, the cost of sustaining his dream might deter him.
According to BackaBuddy, the platform Bestman is trying to raise funds for costs related to his stay in New York, having realised his potential the Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB) has taken up the aspiring ballet superstar’s cause and is driving and managing a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy, to ensure that Faahkir has everything he needs for his time at the Joffrey Ballet.
BackaBuddy spokesperson Zane Groenewald said: “Faahkir Bestman was always destined for greatness. From the moment he first stepped on to a dance floor, it was clear to all who saw him that he had something special.”
Groenewald said in efforts to help nurture the young Capetonian talent, Abeedah Medell of the famed Eoan Group began working with Bestman when he was just 8-years-old, giving him the formative training he needed and also encouraging him to dream beyond his reality.
“At just 12 years old, he won the inaugural Christopher Kindo scholarship, allowing him to attend the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg. In Grade 9, Intocast SA selected him for their bursary programme, which covered all his expenses through high school.
“Faahkir has dedicated his entire life to his craft and has worked hard to achieve the success he has. With help from the public, Faahkir will be able to take the next step in his journey and dance on the world’s stage,” Groenewald said.
Since the launch of the fundraising campaign, the JYB has been able to raise more than R90 000, with contributions from 81 donors, towards the fundraising target of R150 000, which will comfortably secure Bestman’s needs for his year in the US.
Funds raised will cover Bestman’s visa and passport costs, his return flights to New York, his medical insurance, clothing and dance gear, bedding and cooking utensils for his residence, and a small amount of pocket money. Additional funds raised by the campaign will be used to establish, The Bestman Bursary to assist other young dancers waiting in the wings to dance their dreams.
Artistic director of the Johannesburg Youth Ballet Mark Hawkins said: “There are many talented young dancers who want to make a career out of dance, but it is perhaps once or twice in a lifetime that someone with Faahkir’s talent, commitment, passion and focus to achieve despite adversity crosses your path.
“I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with Faahkir on his dance journey. I have seen his growth as an artist in all genres of dance. He is eager to learn, takes and applies corrections, and is passionate about everything he does.
“He is a bright and humble young man, with incredible stage presence, that I know is destined for greatness," Hawkins said.
To support Faahkir Bestman on BackaBuddy, visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/faahkir-bestman-5466858023619445605
Alternatively, you can donate via Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Faahkir_Bestman
