Dance News
It’s the Nutcracker, but re-told in an African way and re-styled with a local-is-lekker flair. While still set to the beautiful effervescent music of Tchaikovsky, Joburg Ballet’s all new The Nutcracker Re-Imagined switches the usual snowy northern Christmas scenes for such sunny African settings as the Kalahari, complete with gumboots and Namaqua daisies. Running as […]
Known as one of the greatest 19th century ballets, La Bayadère (or ‘the temple dancer’ in English) is set in the royal India of the past where the exotic story of love, betrayal, vengeance and justice unfolds. Marking a first for Joburg Ballet, La Bayadère premieres at the Joburg Theatre from 12 September through to […]
South Africa has seen a mix of Russian touring companies of late, all claiming to bring us their “ballet stars” but with sometimes disappointing results. However, the upcoming Russian Ballet Stars gala performances look a little different, particularly with an opera diva in the mix. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect […]
For aspiring dancers interested in choreography, contemporary ballet, or for the chance to learn directly from touring professional dancers, you’ll get it all with the dance workshops that the Geneva Ballet company of Switzerland will be hosting in Cape Town on 7, 9 and 10 July 2014. As part of the company’s first visit to […]
For the first time in Cape Town and for three performances only, the Geneva Ballet will present what they call “two exceptional and contrasted works”, Lux and Glory on 8, 9 and 10 July 2014 at Artscape Theatre. Under the direction of Philippe Cohen, this acclaimed Swiss company is considered one of the most original […]
The 17-year-old boy from Gugulethu township strode onto stage amidst applause and gasps. Gasps for the fact that he walked on with crutches; and applause for the fact that this was the awards ceremony of the South African International Ballet Competition and Khanya Mandongana was striding over to receive a scholarship to the Ailey School […]
Thanks to enthusiastic demand for tickets for this weekend’s performances of Stars of American Ballet, additional seats in the balconies at Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg have been opened. It’s the first event of its kind in over 30 years where such a group of outstanding American ballet dancers will perform in South Africa, representing New […]
With proceeds donated to rhino orphan conservation, ballet entrepreneur Dirk Badenhorst has created an unusual but enticing ballet event by taking some of America’s brightest ballet talents and presenting Stars of American Ballet in the Bush at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in the Waterberg in the Limpopo province on Monday 23 June 2014. […]
South African artist Ernst de Jong – considered somewhat of a legend in the art and design world – marks his 80th birthday with artworks and stage designs specially painted for the Stars of American Ballet production, taking place at Montecasino’s Teatro from 20 to 22 June 2014. As the design director for the South […]
In the midst of Cape Town City Ballet’s 80 anniversary celebrations, there are now even more celebratory ching-chings to be had as the company recently announced eight promotions within the company. The dancers who have received promotions are Elizabeth Nienaber, Bradley van Heerden, Kim Vieira, Daniel Szybkowski, Laura Bösenberg, Angela Hansford, Rosamund Ford and Thomas […]
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A few surprises revealed in Joburg Ballet’s Don Quixote casting
Don Quixote is known to be one of the most lively, big, bold and vibrant ballets, and we should be expecting exciting things from Joburg Ballet who love to snatch every opportunity to show off their virtuoso skills. Don Quixote opens at the Joburg Theatre tonight, 28 August, and runs until 13 September 2015, but […]
Joburg’s leading dancers perform in Ballet Highlights Gala – new format, new venue
For three performances only, Joburg Ballet are visiting a new venue with a shorter one-hour programme at a smaller price-point, aiming to take the best ballet highlights to more people. And with an impressive sounding line-up of popular dance pieces, you might want to take up the opportunity too at the Roodepoort Theatre this weekend […]
Cape Town City Ballet takes Thumbelina to Pietermaritzburg
On 8 and 9 July, the full-length ballet of Thumbelina, a Cape Town City Ballet Youth project, will be on stage at the Hilton College Theatre produced in association with the KZN Midlands Youth Ballet Company. Starring nine principal dancers from the Cape Town City Ballet in the leading roles, and 71 ballet students from […]
Grand classical Russian ballet tour to open in South Africa this week
Having already toured to 36 cities in France since the start of the year, the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre open their South African tour on Wednesday 6 May at Montecasino in Johannesburg performing Giselle, followed by Don Quixote and Swan Lake before they head to Cape Town to perform Swan Lake at Artscape from 19 […]
A few surprises revealed in Joburg Ballet’s Don Quixote casting
Don Quixote is known to be one of the most lively, big, bold and vibrant ballets, and we should be expecting exciting things from Joburg Ballet who love to snatch every opportunity to show off their virtuoso skills. Don Quixote opens at the Joburg Theatre tonight, 28 August, and runs until 13 September 2015, but […]
Joburg’s leading dancers perform in Ballet Highlights Gala – new format, new venue
For three performances only, Joburg Ballet are visiting a new venue with a shorter one-hour programme at a smaller price-point, aiming to take the best ballet highlights to more people. And with an impressive sounding line-up of popular dance pieces, you might want to take up the opportunity too at the Roodepoort Theatre this weekend […]
Video: Is ballet a sport? Are dancers athletes?
In her recent sports and fitness article, Discovery’s online editor, Catherine Davis, asked: Is ballet a sport? And, are ballerinas athletes? To any aspiring and professional dancer, the answers to these questions are painfully obvious. Painful in more ways than one, but sadly only obvious to some. The art and pursuit of making dance look […]