RIYADH: 18-year-old ballet dancer Khalaa Nagadi from Saudi Arabia is mesmerizing audiences with her unwavering passion and hopes others will be inspired to “embrace this beautiful and expressive art form”.
She is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition, 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 breathtaking.”
Halaa Nagadi is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition, which will begin on November 17, and will feature professional and amateur dancers. (included)
From a young age, Nagadi was fascinated by ballet's graceful movements and emotional narrative, and she was determined to pursue her dream.
“One of my main 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.”
SOONTHE FACTS
• While ballet may not have been the typical path for a young woman from Saudi Arabia, Nagadi wasn't daunted.
• She immersed herself in learning ballet, first through online videos and then by searching for local and international training opportunities.
While ballet may not have been the typical path for a young Saudi woman, Nagadi was undaunted. She immersed herself in learning ballet, first through online videos and then by searching for local and international training opportunities.
“Balancing studies in tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training was a challenge,” Nagadi said.
“But I remained steadfast in my pursuit, spending between four and eight hours every day honing my skills, whether it was in the ballet studio or the gym, ensuring I was constantly improving and pushing the limits of my craft.”
However, Nagadi's journey was not without problems. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia was a significant hurdle, and finding specialized equipment remains a constant hurdle, she explained.
Undaunted, Nagadi pursued opportunities abroad, including a summer program in Romania and a ballet performance opportunity in Turkey.
“I also took a master class for professional dancers with the director of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.
Nagadi's dedication 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 talents at local events such as the Rose Festival in Taif and a theater performance that combined Arabic music with ballet,” she said.
Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural scene continues to evolve, with ballet talent seeing a future where dance will flourish and attract audiences from across the Kingdom.
“I believe that the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will only grow and develop,” she said. “More and more people are interested in learning and practicing this art form.”
Nagadi's indomitable determination has not only earned her recognition 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, dedication and a willingness to challenge societal norms, anything is possible.
