We are delighted to announce Robin van Wyk’s appointment as International Advisor for Africa. He will be visiting London to attend a RAD Board of Trustees meeting in June.

Robin is a well known and highly admired South African personality and much loved Artistic Director of Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB). He started his RAD training with Brenda McLachlan in Pietermaritzburg and after matriculating he continued his studies at UCT School of Dance where he accomplished the RAD Solo Seal Award. He danced with NAPAC for a short period before joining PACT Ballet where he quickly moved through the ranks to Senior Soloist, winning the Nederburg Award for the Texan Kangaroo Rat in Still Life at the Penguin Café.

In 1997 he moved to CAPAB Ballet (now Cape Town City Ballet), was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2000 and had several roles created for him by Veronica Paeper.

Robin joined the Musical Theatre Business in 2001 and was cast as Mister Mistofolees in CATS, travelling to eleven countries with the world tour.

Returning to Cape Town City Ballet, he continued his classical ballet career dancing in productions by Balanchine, Commelin, Poole and Bovim – his favourite role being that of Freddie Mecury in Sean Bovim’s Queen at the Ballet.

In 2005 he started choreographing, which is his absolute passion. To date he has choreographed: Robin Hood; Beauty and the Beast; James Bond the Ballet; The Ugly Duckling; Alice in Wonderland; The Sleeping Beauty; Nomvula – a tribute to Freshly Ground; Night and Day – a tribute to Cole Porter; The Italian Affair – Balleto d’Amore and Geisha. He is currently working on a children’s production of Peter Pan.

Robin also hosts his Celebrating Tchaikovsky Workshops for the Royal Academy of Dance all over South Africa, giving the budding ballerina an insight into the workings of a professional dancer and stage experience.

Robin will be compiling a report to present at the RAD Board of Trustees meeting in London. RAD members who would like to contribute to this report should send their comments or queries by email to: rvw@capetowncityballet.org.za by mid-May at the latest.

Robin replaces Dirk Badenhorst who has recently come to the end of his three year term as International Advisor.