Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) has appointed celebrated dancer and coach Tracy Li as its new Artistic Director.
Li has been part of the company for more than 30 years, joining Cape Performing Arts Board Ballet in 1993 after beginning her professional career with Hong Kong Ballet at the age of 16.
As a senior principal, she performed leading roles in productions including Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, La Bayadère and The Nutcracker. She received the Nederburg Award for Best Ballet Dancer of the Year in 1997, among other accolades.
After retiring from the stage in 2007, Li became CTCB’s principal coach, working with generations of dancers and helping to stage the company’s productions. She also served as acting executive director in 2018.
Li has led CTCB’s artistic team since 2024, initially working alongside David Nixon CBE to develop the company’s artistic direction.
In her new role, she said she hopes to continue developing dancers while prioritising their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.
CTCB Board Chair Africa Melane said Li’s long history with the company and her work nurturing dancers would benefit CTCB as it moves towards its centenary.
Li’s appointment marks a new chapter for the company, which is preparing for its 100th anniversary in the coming years.