Raised by a single mother in a small fruit farming town in South Africa's Western Cape, Mthuthuzeli November started attending ballet classes “as a way to stay out of trouble”. Today he is a ballet star, celebrated for his unique African style. He performs with both the Ballet Black company in London and the Cape Dance Company in Cape Town. Equally successful, his younger brother Siphe is now a member of the National Ballet of Canada.

Photo: Mthuthuzeli November performing on stage Photo credit: Helena Fagan