June 2020 - Ballito Umhlanga

t is in a fantastical world of
magic, music and dreamy
costumes that Umhlanga
dancer Rachel Abrahams feels
most at home. Effortlessly, she
floats across the stage, light
as a feather, elegant arms
and poised, lean legs.
The fun-loving 29-year-old started
ballet at age five, modern dance at
eight and tap at ten. “Ballet was always
the highlight of my day. I was very
sporty growing up and continued
with dance and sport until I was 14.
I was so determined
to be part of this
industry that I
couldn’t see that
I was actually
struggling mentally.
Then I chose to fully concentrate
on my dancing - ballet being my
top priority.” Rachel studied ballet
with Winsome Fuller, a legend in the
industry who danced with the likes of
Nureyev – one of the world’s greatest
male ballet dancers. Disciplined and
dedicated to perfecting the art of
dance, Rachel got used to long days
and busy schedules from an early
age. “Most evenings I only got home
around 8pm after ballet class and
weekends always included KZN youth
ballet and dance rehearsals.”
At age 12, she auditioned for a
company called Siwela Sonke and
although she was very young, she
made it into the show. “That’s where
I learnt contemporary and I went on
to perform with them for years after
that at arts festivals, gala events at the
ICC and theatres. I used the money I
earned form these performances to
buy my pointe shoes and costumes
and put it towards my future in
dancing.”
Rachel’s breakthrough came in the
first year after she finished school
when she successfully auditioned
and was accepted into the South African Ballet Theatre (Joburg Ballet now)
Apprentice Programme. “That was the official start of my career performing in
major ballet productions such as Coppelia, Giselle and Cinderella.”
While this was a dream come true, looking back, Rachel says she now realises
how much she struggled in her first few years in the ballet company and dance
world. “I was 17 and the pressure was indescribable. I can’t explain the amount
of mental strength it takes to be in a company, be disciplined, believe in yourself
and to make this a career. I was so determined to be part of this industry that I
couldn’t see that I was actually struggling mentally.”
Finding balance between her career and her life has been a long-term learning
curve and a lesson that has helped her survive and thrive in the tough industry.
“It’s very hard as a ballet dancer to have a life outside of ballet, but it’s essential.
I prioritise myself so that I can be the best dancer possible for my career. I learnt
that the best way for me to have a long career is to work on a freelance basis and
not be part of a company full time.” When she is not part of a ballet production
in Johannesburg or Cape Town, you will find her on the rugby field dancing for
the Sharks team and the Dolphins, on stage at corporate events or in a studio
teaching and choreographing. “I’ve started spending more time in Durban lately
as I love my city and want to help build the industry here. My incredible dance
partner, Casey Swales, also lives here and we do a lot of work together.”
Another big lesson has been to look after her body. “Ballet, especially, is a visual
art which relies on perfect lines and a part of that would be a perfect body. I am
quite tall and certainly am lean naturally. Out of ballet season or contract I don’t
put pressure on myself. My body is my temple and I really mean that. During
seasons, I dance so much it would be impossible for my body not to be in its
best shape. If I’m not in good shape, I will get injured.”
To keep her body strong and dance ready, Rachel is very particular about how
she fuels herself. “I’m vegetarian and grow my own vegetables and herbs. I eat
extremely well - and a lot - and I am proud to say that I check everything before
I eat it. I want to know what I’m putting into my body. Normally, if anything has
more than five ingredients in it, it’s processed. Not to say I don’t enjoy a beautiful,
big breakfast on a Sunday with the works, or that I don’t love chocolate as much
as the next person. I also love bread and pasta. I just exercise in moderation
(most of the time).”
While the arts (and the rest of the world) are in hibernation during lockdown,
Rachel is keeping active and busy, gardening with her boyfriend and exercising
in her home with her faithful shadow, Rocco, the Staffordshire Bullterrier always
next to her. “The arts will thrive again and my shows will be put back on. I can’t
wait! In the meantime, I’m creating, staying fit and enjoying exploring my free
dance spirit.”
Details: Instagram: @ballerinarach
WATCH NOW
Take a look at a day in the life of a ballerina in lockdown…
June 2020 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 29