Former international dancer and musical theatre performer Simone “Sisi” Mann has returned to her hometown of Ballito where she has opened a new Performing Arts Studio, offering aspiring young dancers the chance to train in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. Drawing on years of professional stage experience and teaching, Mann’s studio aims to nurture the next generation of performers along the North Coast, providing a creative hub where students can develop technical skills, confidence, and stage presence while enjoying the joy of dance.
Growing up in Ballito in a family deeply involved in sport and dance, Sisi’s early experiences shaped her career in the performing arts. At school, she helped stage musical theatre performances and dance productions, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to developing young talent; a commitment that is now at the heart of her studio.
Sisi opened a small dance studio in Ballito in 2019, initially focusing on musical theatre training before expanding into a full-service dance academy with her sister. Today, the studio offers a comprehensive program that includes classes in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, tumbling and more – with classes augmented by guest instructors. Students also participate in shows, exams, competitions, holiday performances, dance workshops, and even flash mobs at local venues, giving them real performance experience while nurturing both their technical and personal growth.
Sisi’s transition from globe-trotting performer to mentor and educator is more than a career shift—it’s a continuation of her life’s work: inspiring others through movement, expression, and artistry. For many parents and students in Ballito and the surrounding North Coast, the studio is more than just a place to learn dance; it is a community where discipline meets joy, creativity is encouraged, and young performers gain confidence while pushing their boundaries. The Performing Arts Studio is quickly becoming one of the North Coast’s most exciting creative hubs for young talent.