Camps Bay teen ballet star triumphs on world stage

Fifteen-year-old Camps Bay dancer Zara Yazbek is earning international recognition after a remarkable run of achievements in classical ballet.

The Grade 10 pupil at Camps Bay High School recently represented South Africa at the International Dance Organisation World Championships in De Panne, where she was crowned world champion in Classical Ballet Solo, Junior Repertoire Solo and Ballet Duo.

“I felt immense pride when I heard my name announced as world champion. I couldn’t have been happier to stand on that stage and hold the South African flag high,” said Zara.

Her international success followed the awarding of her Western Province Colours for Dance and Protea Colours, cementing her status as one of the country’s most promising young ballet talents.

Back home, Zara recently appeared as Young Alice in Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Artscape Theatre.

“I have always been fond of the story Alice in Wonderland, and when I found out it was being performed in Cape Town, I knew I had to audition. It was a very different ballet to what is usually put on at Artscape, and it was an amazing experience to perform,” she said.

She will next take to the Artscape stage in The Nutcracker with Cape Ballet Africa from Wednesday, February 25 to Saturday, February 28.

Zara began dancing at the age of three at her mother’s dance academy, Juanita Yazbek Dance Academy, where she continues to train in ballet and contemporary dance while balancing school commitments.

“I have to admit, balancing my school work and the intense training I do every day is hard,” she said. “But I know how to prioritise. If something important comes up, I will focus on that  -  but if my competition is in about two weeks, then that becomes my focus.”

Her love for performance extends beyond ballet. 

At nine years old, she played the title role in Matilda the Musical on an international tour of China and the Philippines, and she has since appeared on the Expresso Morning Show. 

She has also been cast in a film project scheduled for release on Netflix in 2026.

“My whole life I have only wanted to be one thing — a performer. Being on stage is my happy place. It’s where I feel most like myself. Whether I’m singing, dancing, or acting, it just feels like home,” said Zara

Her mother and mentor, Juanita Yazbek - a former ballerina with CAPAB Ballet and Cape Town City Ballet - says her daughter’s achievements are built on discipline and character.

“Mother will always come first. Before talent, before success, before the stage, comes who she is as a person,” said Juanita.

“As her coach, I am tough. If you’re going to choose the arts, you must be very good. It’s a wonderful life - but it’s not an easy one. It demands excellence, resilience and discipline,” she said.

She said that Zara’s progress is no accident.

“It takes an enormous amount of planning, preparation, discipline, and care - including diet and daily structure - to achieve what Zara has at such a young age,” she said. 

“None of it happens by chance. It is intentional. It is consistent. And it requires commitment every single day.”

Looking back, Juanita said she first recognised her daughter’s potential when she performed in Matilda at nine years old.

“I saw a passion for being on stage and a capability that truly amazed me. I’ve given her the tools - but it’s entirely who she is, and what she chooses to do with those tools, that has brought her here,” she said.

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