RIYADH: Saudi Arabian ballet dancer Halaa Nagadi, 18, 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 Dubai International Dance Competition 2024, which will begin on November 17, and 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 narratives through their bodies was simply captivating.”
Halaa Nagadi is currently preparing for the Dubai International Dance Competition 2024, which will begin on November 17, in which professional and amateur dancers will participate. (Provided)
From a young age, Nagadi was fascinated by ballet's graceful movements and heartwarming stories and 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.”
FASTActs
• While ballet may not have been a typical path for a young woman in Saudi Arabia, Nagadi was undeterred.
• Immersed myself in the study of ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking 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 the study of ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking local and international training opportunities.
“Balancing my studies in tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training was no easy task,” revealed Nagadi.
“But I remained steadfast in my pursuit, spending four to eight hours every day honing my skills, whether it's in the ballet studio or the gym, making sure I'm constantly improving and pushing the limits of my craft.”
Nagadi's journey has not been without its challenges, however. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia has been a significant hurdle, and sourcing specialist 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 Turkey.
“I also took a masterclass for professional dancers from the director of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.
Nagadi's dedication and passion did not go unnoticed locally. “I received support from the Saudi Ministry of Culture, which gave 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 artistic and cultural scene continues to evolve, ballet talent envisions a future where the dance form will flourish and attract audiences across the Kingdom.
“I think the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will 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 artistic community, but has also inspired a new generation of young people to explore the world of ballet.
Her story reminds us that with hard work, dedication and a willingness to challenge society's norms, anything is possible.
