Success beyond borders

Duru Basut (17) from Izmir, who was directed to dance by her kindergarten teacher with the words ‘Very talented and open to development’ when she was just 4 years old, has already won 20 medals in her career and represented our country successfully on an international level. Basut, who placed second in Europe and fourth in the world in modern dance and ballet, has also earned top spots in many competitions in Turkey, lighting up her path in education with this performance. Duru, who earned the art scholarship provided by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and got into the Textile and Fashion Design department this year, said, “Dance is everything to me, my passion. Since my family is in the textile business, I chose my major with great enthusiasm. My biggest goal is to wear the dance costumes I designed myself in championships and make a difference with my designs when I become a world champion.”

Living in Izmir’s Karşıyaka district, 17-year-old Duru Basut set sail for a new life after her talent was discovered by her dance teacher in kindergarten. Introduced to dance at a young age, Basut started taking private lessons with the great support of her family, and she did not disappoint those who believed in her, quickly climbing the ladder of success.

OFF TO SLOVENIA FOR THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Never straying from dance and continuing her training regularly throughout elementary and middle school, Basut won medals one after another in national modern dance and ballet competitions. With these performances, she earned the right to represent our country as a national dancer. In 2022, she achieved second place in the ‘ballet duet’ category at the championship held in Macedonia, while last year, she came in fourth in the ‘modern dance duet’ category at the World Dance Championship in Belgium. Preparing for the European Modern Dance Championship to be held in Slovenia on September 25, 2024, Duru aims to bring a medal to our country. Duru, who has been consistently continuing her dance training for 13 years and holds a teaching certificate, will also be able to give ballet lessons to her fellow students or academics at the university.

DANCE HAS ALWAYS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON MY LIFE

Expressing that she loves dancing and that engaging in sports has always positively impacted her life, Duru said, “As a child, I would dance in front of the TV or to music. I've always had an interest in dance for as long as I can remember. My kindergarten dance teacher taking an interest in me and guiding me correctly changed my life. When I first started dancing, I was young, and I couldn't have imagined reaching this point. Thankfully, I kept improving and achieved the level I had dreamed of. I've been participating in various competitions and events since I was 10 years old. Now, I’ve gained this experience. There is a very important competition ahead of me; I want to win a medal at the championship in Slovenia. That's why I’ve been working hard lately. I train for at least 2-3 hours a day. I feel very good and ready. My love for dance and my regular training almost every day of the week paved the way for my success. By continuing in this way, I want to reach my biggest goal, becoming a world champion.”

NOT A DISTANT FIELD

Duru Basut, whose parents work in the textile industry and who owns a family business, said, “Fashion and textile are not a distant field for me. I love fashion just as much as dance, and I follow it closely. Since our family profession is textiles, I chose this field for my academic career. Izmir University of Economics, Department Textile and Fashion Design was my first choice. I’m very happy to have achieved this goal and received the art scholarship. I trust my design skills. Just like in dance, I believe I will succeed in my major. My biggest dream is to compete in championships wearing the dance costumes I designed myself. Just thinking about it excites me.”

I CAN’T GIVE UP DANCE

Stating that dance has helped her develop healthy eating habits and has allowed her to plan her day properly and move in a disciplined and organized way, Basut said, “Dance has contributed a lot to making my life better and happier. I don’t think I can give up dance even as I get older or enter the business World. Dance is at the center of my life. Of course, I want to continue my career in the field I’m studying at university, but dance will always accompany me.”