Dance Student Spotlight: Michay Winter

My name is Michay Winter, 16, from Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦. I go to Lesley porter school of dance.

@ballet_michay

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I started ballet when I was 3, and I was always walking around on my tippy toes. I really fell in love with it when I received my first pair of pointe shoes, and I started training very hard. Social media was also a massive inspiration for me, and it kept me motivated. I set myself the goal to become an NGGENERATION (Grishko) ambassador, and I achieved it in December last year. I am very excited to see what this year brings.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

Things definitely haven't been easy for me, or any dancer for that matter. We all have our own challenges.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

Sometimes, living where I do can be limiting, especially when trying to find opportunities like summer intensives and competitions. Unfortunately, our economy is struggling, which makes these activities very expensive. And there aren't that many local dance opportunities either. However, I don't let this stand in my way. I just work harder to try and get scholarships!

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

No, I am very lucky to have a very supportive family.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I conquer negative talk by thinking of all the positive things that have happened to me and all the goals I have achieved already. These thoughts often outweigh the negative ones.

What is your favorite quote?

"When it seems that everything you do is wrong and everyone is against you... It's time to put on your "I don't give a [darn] tutu" and gleefully glide on the dancefloor of "this is my life" - Dodinsky

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

This year I am performing at the TDA repertoire competition which I am very excited about.😊