At just nine years old, Benji du Plooy is already making an impressive name for himself in the world of ballet. Benji moved to Greyton with his family when he was three years old and is now a Grade 4 learner at Greyton House.
Benji’s dance journey began in 2021 when, at only four years old, he started lessons at Swans Dance Academy and Studios under the guidance of Jessica Swans. Since then, his passion for ballet has grown steadily, supported by hard work, dedication and a genuine love for performing.
He has also trained in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus through Jana Barnardt, providing him with a strong foundation in classical ballet. Notably, Benji is currently the only boy studying ballet at both studios, something that highlights his commitment and confidence in pursuing a passion that is often seen as unusual for boys his age.
A major milestone came in August 2025 when Benji successfully auditioned for Alice in Wonderland. He earned the role of a Playing Card and performed alongside the Cape Town City Ballet at the Artscape Theatre in December 2025. Performing in a professional production was an exciting and inspiring experience for the young dancer.
Most recently, Benji appeared in Orpheus in the Underworld with Cape Town City Ballet, performed at the Artscape from 12 to 21 June. Balancing schoolwork, rehearsals and performances requires discipline and determination, qualities that Benji seems to possess in abundance.
His hard work continues to pay off. After recently auditioning for The Nutcracker, Benji was thrilled to be selected for the role of a Party Boy in the beloved festive production. The show will run at the Artscape from 11 December 2026, adding another exciting achievement to his growing ballet résumé.
Despite his success, Benji admits that he still gets nervous before stepping onto the stage. His secret? “I just breathe in and breathe out,” he says, a simple but effective technique that helps him stay calm and focused.
When asked what advice he would give to children who are too shy to try ballet, his answer is equally simple: “Follow your heart.”
While dance is a huge part of his life, Benji also dreams of becoming a pastry chef one day. With his talent, determination and enthusiasm, there is little doubt that whatever path he chooses, he will continue to inspire those around him.
