Hawke’s Bay Ballerina Secures Spots in Elite Ballet Programs

A promising future awaits Zana Manisty, a 15-year-old ballet dancer from Hawke’s Bay, who has secured places in two prestigious international summer ballet programs in Canada and France. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her pursuit of a professional ballet career.

Zana, who hails from Havelock North, embarked on her ballet journey at the age of three, initially training in both ballet and gymnastics. Her dedication to the arts led her to represent Hawke’s Bay at the New Zealand Gymnastics Nationals for three consecutive years. At the age of 14, she made a pivotal decision to leave home and pursue her passion at the Chilton Ballet Academy (CBA) in Lower Hutt. The CBA is a specialized two-year pre-professional program affiliated with Chilton St James School.

Zana’s journey to the academy began when she auditioned at the age of 13, primarily seeking experience. Surprisingly, she was offered a place in the program, which has since become a crucial stepping stone in her ballet career. The academy is known for its rigorous training and has helped Zana refine her skills and technique.

In the past few months, Zana has demonstrated remarkable growth, prompting her to audition for international summer programs. Her hard work paid off, resulting in acceptance into elite ballet programs that will take her to Canada and France. These opportunities are expected to provide invaluable training and exposure in the competitive world of ballet.

Zana’s success reflects not just her talent but also the support she has received from her family and mentors. Her mother, who has been a significant influence in her life, expressed pride in Zana’s accomplishments. “It’s amazing to see her hard work recognized on such a large scale,” she said.

As Zana prepares for her upcoming summer programs, she is excited about the chance to learn from renowned instructors and dance alongside other talented dancers from around the world. This experience is poised to enhance her skills and broaden her horizons in the world of ballet.

With her sights set on an international career, Zana Manisty is a name to watch in the ballet community. Her journey exemplifies the dedication and passion that young dancers possess as they strive to achieve their dreams on the global stage.