RIYADH: Saudi Arabian ballet dancer Halaa Nagadi, 18, captivates audiences with her unwavering passion and hopes others would be inspired to “embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”
She is currently preparing for the Dubai International Dance Competition 2024 starting 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 ballet dancers could convey such powerful emotions and stories 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 professional and amateur dancers. (Included)
Fascinated by ballet's graceful movements and emotional narratives from a young age, Nagadi has 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 artistry that exists in our country, and inspire others to embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”
FASTFACTS
• While ballet may not have been a typical path for a young woman in Saudi Arabia, Nagadi was undeterred.
• She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.
While ballet may not have been a typical path for a young woman in Saudi Arabia, Nagadi was undeterred. She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.
“Balancing my studies in tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training has not been an easy task,” revealed Nagadi.
“However, I have been steadfast in my pursuit, devoting four to eight hours every day to honing my skills, whether in the ballet studio or the gym, to ensure that I am constantly improving and pushing the boundaries of my craft.”
However, Nagadi's journey has not been without its challenges. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia has been a major hurdle, and purchasing specialist equipment is proving to be a constant hurdle, she explained.
Undaunted, Nagadi has pursued opportunities abroad, including a summer program in Romania and a ballet performance opportunity in Turkiye.
“I also took a masterclass for professional dancers from the principal of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.
Nagadi's commitment and passion has not gone unnoticed locally. “I have received support from the Saudi Ministry of Culture, which has given me opportunities to showcase my talents 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 draw audiences from across the kingdom.
“I think the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will only continue to grow and develop,” she said. “More and more people are becoming interested in learning and practicing this art form.”
Nagadi's unwavering determination has not only earned her recognition within the Saudi arts 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, dedication and a willingness to challenge societal norms, anything is possible.
