Burnise Silvius Promoted to Prima Ballerina

Burnise Silvius, magnificent ballerina and principal dancer of the SA Ballet and Mzanzi (now Johannesburg Ballet) was promoted to Prima Ballerina - which is the highest honour any dancer can receive. In SA there has only been Phyllis Spira and Dawn Weller who received this prestigious accreditation. Burnise was a pupil of Paula since the age of 9 years and went straight from school into the State Theatre Ballet. Her wonderful achievement was made public on Friday 22 November 2013 with the opening night of "The Nutcracker" at the State Theatre. Burnise has so much respect and love for her ballet teacher Paula, that she curtsied in deep reverence before Paula on stage after having been promoted. Even the talented dancer needs the correct guidance and mentorship, which she and Paula shared for many years.