At fifteen, she has already earned three World Championship titles, is gearing up for a theatre play, and has branched out on-screen with an upcoming Netflix release!
Cape Town, South Africa (20 February 2026) – Zara Yazbek is quickly becoming one of SA’s most promising young talents in classical ballet and beyond.
She started dancing at only three-years-old! Under the guidance of her mom, Juanita Yazbek – a former CAPAB Ballet and Cape Town City Ballet ballerina – she has trained in ballet and contemporary dance for twelve years at her mom’s academy in the Mother City.
In her twelve years of dancing, Zara has proved to be a natural on stage, across ballet, musical theatre, and even drama.
She already has an impressive list of accomplishments and accolades to her name.
After earning her Western Province Colours for Dance and subsequently receiving her Protea Colours, Zara went on to represent South Africa at the International Dance Organisation World Championships in Belgium last year, competing as part of the national dance team.
She delivered an outstanding performance at the event and earned three World Championship titles in Classical Ballet Solo, Junior Repertoire Solo, and Ballet Duo!
Zara has performed locally and around the world. She recently appeared as Young Alice in Cape Town City Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland at the Artscape Theatre. Internationally, she shined in her lead role as Matilda in a world tour of China and the Philippines.
And, – a badge for every deserving South African young talent – she was spotlighted on the Expresso Morning Show for her outstanding achievements.
At a recent school assembly at school, Zara was presented with her World Championship trophies.
“Although Zara is new to Camps Bay High School, she has already made a strong impression through her focus, discipline, and commitment to her craft. She brings a level of professionalism and maturity that is impressive for a dancer of her age,” shares Ms Jenna Merrington, Head of Dance at Zara’s school.
Zara’s path ahead is bright.
She will next be performing with Cape Ballet Africa in The Nutcracker at Artscape from 25–28 February 2026. Beyond her work on stage, she has also been cast in an upcoming film project scheduled for release on Netflix this year!
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