JEFFREYS Bay dancer and aspiring actor, Caleb Bruiners (16), is set to attend the New York Film Academy next year after winning a life-changing scholarship – a dream come true.
Bruiners, a Grade 12 learner at Global Leadership Academy (GLA) in Jeffreys Bay, is one of only seven national and international artists to receive this prestigious scholarship after performing at the International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) in Johannesburg earlier this year.
Following his stellar performance at IATS, he was offered a second scholarship from the Los Angeles Film Academy, but his heart is set on New York.
Bruiners, who will join the New York Film Academy in June 2020, says, “The academy, one of the best in the industry, will open a multitude of doors for me.
“On completion of my studies, I will be able to work in New York for one year.”
According to the young and upcoming star who recently performed at the New York Fashion Week, he is inspired by Chris Brown’s variety of dance moves and his ability to dance to any music.
Also on his inspiration list is actor Channing Tatum for perfectly combining dancing with acting.
Any good luck charms?
Yes – his lucky hat.
“My lucky hat, without which I never perform, is seen as my signature look,” says Bruiners. “When I perform, I can easily be recognised by my hat.”
An advocate for learning new skills, Bruiners feels that people should embrace both their good and bad qualities.
“I show my faults to the world,” he says. “Although I am good at krumping, I will constantly experiment with new dance styles – even if I am not good at them yet.”
Face of ARTS Africa
Bruiners is furthermore competing with 99 other artists from across Africa for the Face of ARTS Africa title.
If victorious, he will have the opportunity to travel with Director and Founder of 33 and Me Talent Agency, Elsubie Verlinden, to national auditions – including the ARTS Convention in the United States of America – as well as attend events and media interviews.
To vote for Bruiners to be the Face of ARTS Africa, SMS 145 to 35701 before January 2020.
Each SMS costs R3.
