She has nurtured and given aspiring ballerinas a launching pad to go on to shine on South Africa’s biggest stages and beyond. Recognised for her forward-thinking teaching methods and choreographic mastery, Ingrid Carlson was nominated as one of the best ballet teachers across the globe.
Plumstead, South Africa (05 June 2025) – In exciting and inspiring news, Capetonian Ingrid Carlson, the visionary founder of the Ingrid Carlson School of Ballet (ICSB) in Plumstead, was recently short-listed for the highly coveted Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Innovation in Dance Award!
The award recognises and celebrates teachers across the globe who demonstrate exceptional creativity and forward-thinking in their teaching methods, choreography, or broader contributions to the dance industry.
While not a winner this time, it is considered a tremendous honour to have been nominated, and Ingrid found herself in excellent company alongside fellow finalists Luiz Carlos Nogueira, Ruth Mair Howard-Jones, and Liviane Pimenta, and Carlson is thrilled.
“I am inspired to continue assisting future dancers and choreographers in SA,” said Ingrid, speaking from her ballet studio in Plumstead.
Ingrid, a Life Member of the RAD, has always been passionate about dance and the advancement of dance in South Africa.
Several of her students have gone on to become professional dancers or teachers, both locally and abroad.
A ballerina who paved the path for the next generation of dancers
She trained at UCT Ballet School and, after dancing with the PACOFS company, opened her own ballet school in Cape Town. She has also taught at numerous institutions, including Dance for All in Athlone and ZAMA in Gugulethu, with a steadfast commitment to nurturing local talent.
At ICSB, training is based on the world-renowned Russian Vaganova method, a training approach that Ingrid incorporated after working closely with Vaganova graduate and dance professor Ljiljana Urosevic. ICSB students also take examinations and get to perform in ICSB shows regularly.
Over the decades, she has consistently secured bursaries for deserving students in need, many of whom have gone on to excel in ballet.
Ingrid also introduced a Creative Movement category for teachers and dancers at the Cape Town Ballet Eisteddfod, which has become one of the most popular events in the competition and draws large numbers of entries annually. This category encourages choreographers to develop and present original, expressive works.
Last year, Ingrid launched a new initiative aimed at guiding dancers through creative and educational experiences that develop their artistry and build their potential as the next generation of dancers and choreographers in South Africa.
Sources: Supplied
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