VOA慢速英语--Ballet Performed in South Africa for Rhinos

Ballet Performed in South Africa for Rhinos²

Artists are often leaders of social change. They use their work to speak on difficult political and cultural issues. Activist³ painters, filmmakers and musicians may be the most well-known. But dance teachers have also dealt with social issues with their dance companies.

In South Africa, protecting the environment and cultural heritage⁴ are at the center of the yearly Ballet in the Bush show.

Every year, dancers from South Africa and around the world perform for young rhinos in Limpopo Province. The dancers in the Ballet in the Bush performance demonstrate their skill and educate the public about rhino¹ poaching.

Cuban-American Adiarys Almeida was one of the first dancers to take part in the project in 2014.

“I was scared at first, but then it was fine. It was actually amazing to have them so close...I mean, I came back for the experience, but also for the good cause of like, saving the rhinos. And I think it’s just fantastic.”

One goal of the project is to support ballet in Limpopo with the help of well-known teachers and dancers. Another is to raise general interest about rhinos and support for their protection, especially from poachers.

About 200 people watched this year’s Ballet in the Bush performance. The project raises an average of $1,400 every year.

About 50 local children join the professionals for workshops and performances. This year, Limpopo dance student Fran Makamola was one of them.

“I enjoyed the show the most. I learned a lot of new things. And I also enjoyed watching the rhinos and learning about the rhinos, and that they are very special animals, and we should care for them more.”

Dirk Badenhorst is the organizer and leader of the South African International Ballet Competition. He notes that ballet dancers based in the U.S. have also been part of the program.

“It shows that there is this working together and willing and wantingness to help achieve in South Africa what they have achieved in the United States of America.”

Arrie van Deventer is the creator and director of the Now Or Never African Wildlife Trust. He says that rhinos are at the refuge⁵ in Limpopo because poachers killed their mothers.

“They are facing definite extinction⁶ if this carries on. So, the more people that hear this message, that hear the plight⁷ of the rhino, the better.”

Officials say there has been a decrease in the number of reported poaching cases in South Africa. But a decrease in poaching numbers does not yet mean the end of rhino poaching. Officials welcome all efforts to help save the rhino population.

I’m Jonathan Evans.

Words in This Story

achieve – v. to get or reach something by working hard

amazing – adj. causing great surprise or wonder; causing amazement⁸

extinction – n. the state or situation that results when something such as a plant or animal species⁹ has died out completely

fantastic – adj. extremely good

heritage – n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation

plight – n. a very bad or difficult situation

poaching – v. hunting or fishing illegally

scared – adj. afraid of something; nervous or frightened

1 rhino   

n.犀牛，钱, 现金

参考例句：

• The rhino charged headlong towards us.犀牛急速地向我们冲来。
• They have driven the rhino to the edge of extinction.他们已经令犀牛濒临灭绝。

2 rhinos   

n.犀牛（rhino的复数形式）

参考例句：

• There are many reports of people taming and even training Indian rhinos. 有许多关于人们驯养甚至训练印度犀牛的记载。 来自辞典例句
• The rhinos had fed during the night in the rice fields of these villagers. 犀牛夜里在这些村民的庄稼地里也已吃饱了。 来自辞典例句

3 activist   

n.活动分子，积极分子

参考例句：

• He's been a trade union activist for many years.多年来他一直是工会的积极分子。
• He is a social activist in our factory.他是我厂的社会活动积极分子。

4 heritage   

n.传统，遗产，继承物

参考例句：

• The ancient buildings are part of the national heritage.这些古建筑是民族遗产的一部分。
• We Chinese have a great cultural heritage.我们中国人有伟大的文化遗产。

5 refuge   

n.避难（处），庇护（所）；v.庇护，避难（所）

参考例句：

• They took refuge in a cave yesterday.他们昨天是在一个洞里避难的。
• We took refuge in the lee of the wall.我们在墙的背风处暂避。

6 extinction   

n.熄灭，消亡，消灭，灭绝，绝种

参考例句：

• The plant is now in danger of extinction.这种植物现在有绝种的危险。
• The island's way of life is doomed to extinction.这个岛上的生活方式注定要消失。

7 plight   

n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定

参考例句：

• The leader was much concerned over the plight of the refugees.那位领袖对难民的困境很担忧。
• She was in a most helpless plight.她真不知如何是好。

8 amazement   

n.惊奇，惊讶

参考例句：

• All those around him looked at him with amazement.周围的人都对他投射出惊异的眼光。
• He looked at me in blank amazement.他带着迷茫惊诧的神情望着我。

9 species   

n.物种，种群

参考例句：

• Are we the only thinking species in the whole of creation?我们是万物中惟一有思想的物种吗？
• This species of bird now exists only in Africa.这种鸟现在只存在于非洲。