RIYADH: Ballet dancer Halaa Nagadi, 18, from Saudi Arabia captivates audiences with her unwavering passion and hopes others will be inspired to “embrace this beautiful and expressive art form”.
He is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition, which will begin on November 17, which will feature professional and amateur dancers from around the world.
“I became interested in ballet when I was on a journey to find a dance form that really resonated with me,” Nagadi told Arab News. “The way the ballet dancers were able to convey such powerful emotions and narratives through their bodies was simply captivating.”
Halaa Nagadi is currently preparing for the Dubai International Dance Competition 2024 starting on November 17, which will feature both professional and amateur dancers. (Supplied)
Enthralled by the graceful movements and emotional narrative of ballet from a young age, Nagadi pursued her dream with determination.
“One of my biggest goals is to represent Saudi Arabia on the international ballet stage,” Nagadi said. “I want to showcase the talent and art that exists in our country and inspire others to embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”
FASTFACTS
• Although ballet may not have been the typical path for a young Saudi woman, Nagadi was undeterred.
• Immersed herself in the study of ballet, first through online videos and then seeking out local and international educational opportunities.
Although ballet may not have been the typical path for a young woman from Saudi Arabia, Nagadi was undeterred. She immersed herself in the study of ballet, first through online videos and then seeking out local and international educational opportunities.
“Balancing studying tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training was not an easy task,” revealed Nagadi.
“But I remained steadfast in my pursuit, spending four to eight hours every day honing my skills, whether in the ballet studio or the gym, to ensure I was constantly improving and pushing the boundaries of my craft.”
However, Nagadi's journey was not without problems. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia was a significant hurdle, and obtaining specialized equipment is proving to be an ongoing hurdle, she explained.
Undeterred, Nagadi pursued opportunities abroad, including a summer program in Romania and a ballet performance opportunity in Turkiye.
“I also attended a master class for professional dancers from the principal of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.
Nagadi's determination and passion did not go unnoticed at the local level. “I received support from the Saudi Ministry of Culture, which gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent at local events such as the Taif Rose Festival and a theater performance that combined Arabic music with ballet,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia's arts and culture scene continues to evolve, ballet talent envisions a future where the dance form will flourish and attract audiences from across the kingdom.
“I believe the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will continue to grow and develop,” she said. “More and more people are interested in learning and practicing this art form.”
Nagadi's unwavering determination has earned her recognition not only in the Saudi artistic community, but has also inspired a new generation of young people to explore the world of ballet.
Her story is a reminder that with hard work, determination and a willingness to challenge societal norms, anything is possible.
