Faakhir Bestman has an exceptional talent – for ballet. But he comes from one of the most violent places on earth – the Cape Flats. He started dancing because it was the only thing that would make Akeeda, his disabled baby sister, smile. Abandoned by his drug-addicted mother, both he and his four siblings are being raised by their granny in a tiny two-bedroomed flat.

Faakhir’s talent was spotted by the principal of a local dance school who filled his head with tales of the forgotten story of fellow South African, Johaar Mosaval, who was the first black dancer to ever join the Royal Ballet and danced a solo at the Queen’s coronation in 1953. Although in his 80s and a virtual recluse Mosaval became Faakhir’s mentor.

Eventually Faakhir was able to follow in Mosaval’s footsteps and attend the Royal Ballet School in London. He also won a scholarship that enabled him to enrol in the top performing arts school in South Africa. But sadly, his sister died just two weeks later. Faakhir believes that she still watches over him and he’s determined to continue dancing in her memory. Finally, he makes his triumphant stage debut in the 1,000 seat Nelson Mandela Theatre.