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	<title>BodyMindBallet &#187; featured</title>
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		<title>A few surprises revealed in Joburg Ballet’s Don Quixote casting</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/a-few-surprises-revealed-in-joburg-ballets-don-quixote-casting/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=a-few-surprises-revealed-in-joburg-ballets-don-quixote-casting</link>
		<comments>https://bodymindballet.com/a-few-surprises-revealed-in-joburg-ballets-don-quixote-casting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:27:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aaron Smyth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Claudia Monja]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Don Quixote]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Rodrigues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonhal Fernández]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Juan Carlos Osma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kirstel Jensen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Revie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Ferreira-Dill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramiro Samón]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shannon Glover]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bodymindballet.com/?p=2083</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2084" style="width: 496px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Don-Quixote-2015_Monja-and-Osma_Lauge-Sorensen.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2084" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Don-Quixote-2015_Monja-and-Osma_Lauge-Sorensen.jpg" alt="Cuban-born dancers, Claudia Monja and Juan Carlos Osma perform their debut leading roles as Kitri and Basilio. Photo by Lauge Sorensen" width="486" height="325" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cuban-born dancers, Claudia Monja and Juan Carlos Osma perform their debut leading roles as Kitri and Basilio. Photo by Lauge Sorensen</p></div>
<p>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 with a few surprises in the casting.</p>
<div id="attachment_2087" style="width: 259px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/SAMB-Don-Quixote_Ramiro-Samon2.jpg"><img class="wp-image-2087 size-full" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/SAMB-Don-Quixote_Ramiro-Samon2.jpg" alt="Ramiro Samon was quite literally the poster boy in the company's advertising for their previous production of Don Quixote." width="249" height="345" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ramiro Samón was quite literally the poster boy in the company&#8217;s advertising for their previous production of Don Quixote.</p></div>
<h3>One sad farewell and some happy hellos</h3>
<p>Regular Joburg Ballet fans will notice from the casting below that one of their favourite virtuoso dancers is missing from the line-up.</p>
<p>For all those watching his growth over the last few years, Ramiro Samón has been a strong and steady rising star, winning a gold medal at the 2014 South African International Ballet Competition and consistently wowing audiences with his tremendous strength &#8211; I mean those <em>cabrioles</em> of his were just ridiculous, see it in the video <a href="http://bodymindballet.com/joburgs-leading-dancers-perform-in-ballet-highlights-gala-new-format-new-venue/" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>
<p>There was an almost tangible sense about him that he would never settle for less than technical perfection. And perhaps because of that, he’s been offered a wonderful opportunity with a contract in Toulouse and Joburg Ballet has wished him a sad, but very warm farewell for his adventures ahead. <em>Chukkas</em>, Ramiro!</p>
<p>But of course, Joburg Ballet has no shortage of very strong male lead dancers. In fact, for the first time during their previous season of Swan Lake, they had more lead male dancers than lead role openings.</p>
<p>To add to this, the company has also invited two exciting guest artists to join the season. Returning to South Africa, popular guests, <strong>Aaron Smyth</strong> from Australia and <strong>Jonhal Fernández</strong> from the National Ballet of Ecuador will alternately perform in the lead roles partnered with Joburg Ballet’s own prima ballerina, Burnise Silvius, who will in turn also have one performance with Joburg Ballet’s Randol Figueredo.</p>
<div id="attachment_2090" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Jonhal-Fernández-Nutcracker-guest-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2090" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Jonhal-Fernández-Nutcracker-guest-1.jpg" alt="Jonhal Fernández from the National Ballet of Ecuador will be performing as a guest artist with Joburg Ballet's Burnise Silvius. " width="600" height="392" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Jonhal Fernández from the National Ballet of Ecuador will be performing as a guest artist with Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Burnise Silvius.</p></div>
<h3>From injuries to special moment debuts</h3>
<p>While Jonathan Rodrigues – another of Joburg Ballet’s popular lead males &#8211; has been recovering following an injury (and fans will be happy to know that he’s now almost 100% recovered), this has opened the opportunity for the tall Cuban dancer, Juan Carlos Osma, to mark his debut as the dashing Basilio. He will partner with fellow Cuban, Claudia Monja, who will headline the opening night in her first ever performance in the role of Kitri.</p>
<p>Principal dancers Shannon Glover and Michael Revie will also perform as the leading Spanish lovers. And among other roles in the production, Mercedes will be danced by Burnise Silvius, Claudia Monja, Nicole Ferreira-Dill and Kirstel Jensen, while the toreador Espada will be danced by Aaron Smyth, Juan Carlos Osma, Jonathan Rodrigues and Michael Revie.</p>
<h3>Casting for Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Don Quixote 2015:</h3>
<p>For the roles of Kitri, Basilio, Mercedes, Espada, Amour and Queen of the Dryads. Casting subject to change.</p>
<ul>
<li>Fri 28 Aug 19:30: Monja, Osma, Silvius, Smyth, Acuna, Ferreira-Dill</li>
<li>Sat 29 Aug 15:00: Silvius, Smyth, Monja, Osma, Dewey, Ferreira-Dill</li>
<li>Sun 30 Aug 15:00: Glover, Revie, Ferreira-Dill, Rodrigues, Acuna, Monja</li>
<li>Tue 1 Sep 11:00: Silvius, Figueredo, Jensen, Revie, Gerber, Glover</li>
<li>Sat 5 Sep 15:00: Monja, Osma, Glover, Revie, Gerber, Ferreira-Dill</li>
<li>Sun 6 Sep 15:00: Silvius, Smyth, Phetla, Osma, Jensen, Glover</li>
<li>Fri 11 Sep 19:30: Glover, Revie, Ferreira-Dill, Rodrigues, Dewey, Monja</li>
<li>Sat 12 Sep 15:00: Silvius, Fernandez, Monja, Osma, Jensen, Monja</li>
<li>Sun 13 Sep 15:00: Monja, Osma, Glover, Smyth, Acuna, Ferreira-Dill</li>
</ul>
<p>To whet your appetite for this Spanish feast, here&#8217;s a sneak peek video compilation filmed by Lauge Sorensen at this week&#8217;s dress rehearsal:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/137544888" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/137544888">Don Quixote at Joburg Theatre</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/laugesorensen">Lauge Sorensen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Friday 28 August – Sunday 13 September 2015.<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R100 to R400 via <a href="https://www.joburgtheatre.com/en-GB/shows/swan%20lake%20-%20the%20ultimate%20classic/events" target="_blank">JoburgTheatre.com</a> or 0861 670 670</p>
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		<title>Joburg’s leading dancers perform in Ballet Highlights Gala – new format, new venue</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/joburgs-leading-dancers-perform-in-ballet-highlights-gala-new-format-new-venue/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=joburgs-leading-dancers-perform-in-ballet-highlights-gala-new-format-new-venue</link>
		<comments>https://bodymindballet.com/joburgs-leading-dancers-perform-in-ballet-highlights-gala-new-format-new-venue/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:47:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dayana Acuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Javier Monier]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Tsunke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Revie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramiro Samón]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roodepoort Theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shana Dewey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shannon Glover]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bodymindballet.com/?p=2074</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2075" style="width: 569px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Highlights-Burnise-Silvius-and-Ramiro-Samon-DON-QUIXOTE-Photo-Susanne-Holbaek.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2075" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Highlights-Burnise-Silvius-and-Ramiro-Samon-DON-QUIXOTE-Photo-Susanne-Holbaek.jpg" alt="Joburg Ballet's prima ballerina Burnise Silvius will perform the pas de deux with Ramiro Samon from the dazzling Don Quixote. " width="559" height="372" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Joburg Ballet&#8217;s prima ballerina Burnise Silvius will perform the pas de deux with Ramiro Samon from the dazzling Don Quixote. Photo by Susanne Holbaek</p></div>
<p>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 on 10 and 11 July.</p>
<p>The company’s prima ballerina, Burnise Silvius, will perform the <em>Don Quixote</em> Pas de Deux partnered by Ramiro Samón from Cuba, who was last year’s SA International Ballet Competition gold medal winner (see the video below). Alternating these roles will be principal dancers Shannon Glover and Michael Revie.</p>
<div id="attachment_2079" style="width: 609px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SAIBC-2014-Javier-Monier.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2079" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SAIBC-2014-Javier-Monier.jpg" alt="    Javier Monier in a virtuoso performance of Diana and Acteon. Photo by Pat Bromilow-Downing" width="599" height="401" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Javier Monier in a virtuoso performance of Diana and Acteon. Photo by Pat Bromilow-Downing</p></div>
<p>Other classical ballet pas de deux include <em>The Flames of Paris</em> with Shana Dewey and Ramiro Samón, <em>Satanella</em> with Dayana Acuna and Javier Monier, and <em>Diana and Acteon</em> where Burnise Silvius and Ramiro Samón will share the roles with Dayana Acuna and Javier Monier.</p>
<p>Along with highlights from <em>Swan Lake</em>, <em>La Sylphide</em> and <em>La Bayadère</em>, there will also be two romantic short ballets by artistic director Iain MacDonald, including one danced to Strauss’ <em>Blue Danube Waltz</em> &#8211; one of the most famous pieces of music in the world.</p>
<p>But it’s not all about the classics, rounding off the programme are three items with South African music, choreography or themes: <em>Gauteng</em> to music by Miriam Makeba, <em>Jantjie</em> to music by Anton Goosen, and <em>Fearless</em> by young SA choreographer, John Tsunke.</p>
<p>And if you still need a little more convincing, watch this short video of the powerful, controlled performance that helped win the gold medal for Ramiro Samón. This was his <em>Satanella</em> variation at the 2014 South African International Ballet Competition.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KnjcpZtSNEM" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Friday 10 July 2015 at 8pm; Saturday 11 July 2015 at 3pm and 8pm<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Roodepoort City Theatre, Roodepoort (you&#8217;ll find the directions <a href="https://www.roodepoorttheatre.com/directions-and-parking.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> R140 to R170 from <a href="https://www.roodepoorttheatre.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.roodepoorttheatre.com</a> or phone 0861 670 670.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Video: Is ballet a sport? Are dancers athletes?</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/video-is-ballet-a-sport-are-dancers-athletes/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=video-is-ballet-a-sport-are-dancers-athletes</link>
		<comments>https://bodymindballet.com/video-is-ballet-a-sport-are-dancers-athletes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:48:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Body]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cape Town City Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laura Bosenberg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bodymindballet.com/?p=2070</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CTCB-ballet-class.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2071" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CTCB-ballet-class.jpg" alt="CTCB ballet class" width="562" height="375" /></a>In her recent sports and fitness <a href="http://www.discoveryforme.co.za/fitness-sport/im-a-ballet-dancer-im-an-athlete/?utm_source=discoveryforme_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=LauraBosenbergCoverStoryLink&amp;utm_campaign=discoveryforme_June2015" target="_blank">article</a>, Discovery’s online editor, Catherine Davis, asked: Is ballet a sport? And, are ballerinas athletes?</p>
<p>To any aspiring and professional dancer, the answers to these questions are painfully obvious. <em>Painful</em> in more ways than one, but sadly only <em>obvious</em> to some. The art and pursuit of making dance look effortless and easy, leads many observers to think that perhaps it is. (Never mind that some of these same critics couldn’t touch their own toes, let alone fly through the air in grand jeté splits. Just saying.)</p>
<p>But fortunately, Discovery found a more diplomatic and compelling answer for their readers through this video interview with Cape Town City Ballet’s senior principal dancer, Laura Bosenberg. See the short but inspiring video here (beautifully produced by Stage 5 Films) and share with your friends…</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xWC1Wuel4bU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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		</item>
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		<title>Cape Town City Ballet takes Thumbelina to Pietermaritzburg</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/cape-town-city-ballet-takes-thumbelina-to-pietermaritzburg/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cape-town-city-ballet-takes-thumbelina-to-pietermaritzburg</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2015 11:47:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cape Town City Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elizabeth Nienaber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ivan Boonzaaier]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KZN Midlands Youth Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thumbelina]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bodymindballet.com/?p=2059</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2065" style="width: 562px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Elizabeth-Nienaber-and-Ivan-Boonzaaier-in-THUMBELINA-Photo-by-Jacques-Conradie.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2065" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Elizabeth-Nienaber-and-Ivan-Boonzaaier-in-THUMBELINA-Photo-by-Jacques-Conradie.jpg" alt="    Elizabeth Nienaber and Ivan Boonzaaier in Cape Town City Ballet's Thumbelina. Photo by Jacques Conradie" width="552" height="369" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Elizabeth Nienaber and Ivan Boonzaaier in Cape Town City Ballet&#8217;s Thumbelina. Photo by Jacques Conradie</p></div>
<p>On 8 and 9 July, the full-length ballet of <em>Thumbelina</em>, 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.</p>
<p>Starring nine principal dancers from the Cape Town City Ballet in the leading roles, and 71 ballet students from across Pietermaritzburg studios, the production is directed by Robin van Wyk, artistic director of the Cape Town City Ballet and tells the much-loved fairytale story by Hans Christian Andersen, complete with jitterbugs, ice fairies, snow crystals and blue birds.</p>
<div id="attachment_2067" style="width: 584px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/The-little-Ice-Fairies-in-THUMBELINA-Photo-by-Jacques-Conradie.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2067" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/The-little-Ice-Fairies-in-THUMBELINA-Photo-by-Jacques-Conradie.jpg" alt="Thumbelina's little Ice Fairies. Photo by Jacques Conradie" width="574" height="384" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Thumbelina&#8217;s little Ice Fairies. Photo by Jacques Conradie</p></div>
<p>Boys and girls of all ages have been coached by Colleen Boote, Susan Cleary, Joyann Goddard, Brenda Hunter, Lisa Jennings, Domaine Keyser, Brenda Mc Lachlan, Julia Powell, Heather Proctor and Cornelia Puller.</p>
<p>The production is playing for four performances only at the Hilton College Theatre on 8 and 9 July 2015. If you’re in the KZN Midlands, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the Cape Town  professionals and support the exciting local young talent.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a short but lovely sneak peek into a scene from Act 1, danced here by Elizabeth Nienaber and Ivan Boonzaaier.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/58MIctk4KfY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> 8 and 9 July 2015<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Hilton College Theatre, Pietermaritzburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> R100 from <a href="http://www.hiltontheatre.co.za" target="_blank">www.hiltontheatre.co.za</a>.</p>
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		<title>Video: Viengsay Valdés and Brooklyn Mack reveal their ballet challenges and inspirations</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/video-viengsay-valdes-and-brooklyn-mack-reveal-their-ballet-challenges-and-inspirations/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=video-viengsay-valdes-and-brooklyn-mack-reveal-their-ballet-challenges-and-inspirations</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:22:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Performance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn Mack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swan Lake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Viengsay Valdes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bodymindballet.com/?p=2042</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the prima ballerina of the National Ballet of Cuba, Viengsay Valdés is widely acclaimed as one of the leading ballerinas of our time. Watch her and US ballet star, Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet, in this mini-documentary video clip as they perform and talk about their inspirations and challenges, particularly with Swan Lake. [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2043" style="width: 532px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Viengsay-Valdes-and-Brooklyn-Mack.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2043 " alt="Cuban prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés and US star Brooklyn Mack will perform the principal roles in Joburg Ballet's Swan Lake this weekend." src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Viengsay-Valdes-and-Brooklyn-Mack.jpg" width="522" height="348" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cuban prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés and US star Brooklyn Mack will dance the principal roles in two performances of Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Swan Lake this weekend.</p></div>
<p>As the prima ballerina of the National Ballet of Cuba, Viengsay Valdés is widely acclaimed as one of the leading ballerinas of our time. Watch her and US ballet star, Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet, in this mini-documentary video clip as they perform and talk about their inspirations and challenges, particularly with Swan Lake.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/125790048" height="281" width="500" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>For more behind-the-scenes footage, see the other mini-documentary episodes <a href="http://bodymindballet.com/going-behind-the-scenes-for-joburg-ballets-swan-lake/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Two performances only for the dynamic duo</h3>
<p>As visiting guests, Viengsay Valdés and Brooklyn Mack will be performing together in the leading roles in Joburg Ballet’s new production of Swan Lake for two performances &#8211; on Friday evening, 24 April 2015, and Sunday afternoon, 26 April 2015.</p>
<p>You’ll also have one more opportunity to watch Brooklyn Mack when he dances opposite South Africa’s own prima ballerina Burnise Silvius, with their single performance together scheduled to close the Swan Lake season on Sunday, 3 May 2015 at 3pm.</p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Friday 17 April – Sunday 3 May 2015.<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R100 to R400 via <a href="https://www.joburgtheatre.com/en-GB/shows/swan%20lake%20-%20the%20ultimate%20classic/events" target="_blank">JoburgTheatre.com</a> or 0861 670 670</p>
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		<title>Three prima ballerinas share the stage for Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Swan Lake</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/three-prima-ballerinas-share-the-stage-for-joburg-ballets-swan-lake/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=three-prima-ballerinas-share-the-stage-for-joburg-ballets-swan-lake</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:07:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn Mack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Claudia Monja]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Rodrigues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Juan Carlos Osma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kirstel Jensen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ma Ming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Revie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Ferreira-Dill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramiro Samón]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shannon Glover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swan Lake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Viengsay Valdes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yu Chuanya]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[With an impressively large cast of over 80 dancers hailing from Cuba, China, Brazil, the United States and South Africa, Joburg Ballet is readying itself for what it claims is the “largest and grandest” production of Swan Lake South Africa has yet seen, taking place at Joburg Theatre from 17 April to 3 May 2015. [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2000" style="width: 430px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CompanyNewSets2_LuageSorensen.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2000 " alt="South African prima ballerina, Burnise Silvius, with Jonathan Rodrigues and dancers from Joburg Ballet in front of the company's grand new sets designed by Andrew Botha. Photo by Lauge Sorensen" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CompanyNewSets2_LuageSorensen.jpg" width="420" height="420" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">South African prima ballerina, Burnise Silvius, with Jonathan Rodrigues and dancers from Joburg Ballet in front of the company&#8217;s grand new sets designed by Andrew Botha. Photo by Lauge Sorensen</p></div>
<p>With an impressively large cast of over 80 dancers hailing from Cuba, China, Brazil, the United States and South Africa, Joburg Ballet is readying itself for what it claims is the “largest and grandest” production of <em>Swan Lake</em> South Africa has yet seen, taking place at Joburg Theatre from 17 April to 3 May 2015.</p>
<p>It’s a big claim that’s bound to raise the eyebrows of the competition (St Petersburg Ballet Theatre are performing Swan Lake in Johannesburg and Cape Town in May). But with Joburg Ballet’s knack for always finding innovative ways to surprise and delight, we’re rather keen to see what they’ve got hidden in those wings.</p>
<p>For a start, the ballet company has announced a very peculiar, but creatively enticing decision regarding their casting for the opening night. Each act will see a different leading couple perform the roles of Odette/Odile and the Prince, giving the audience an absolutely unique opportunity to enjoy the performances of the international guests as well as Joburg Ballet’s own principal dancers in sequence in one night.</p>
<p>While this might mess with classical purists’ sense of calm and continuity, the exposure to more dancers with their individual interpretations and style is bound to be an interesting take on a Swan Lake opening night.</p>
<p>Commenting on this decision, Joburg Ballet CEO Dirk Badenhorst said, “We decided to make the opening night of Swan Lake a gala event, partly to celebrate having all of our friends from around the world here dancing with us and partly to showcase everything this collaborative run will offer to the high profile audience – which includes government ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries from South Africa, China, Cuba and the US &#8211; on the first night.”</p>
<div id="attachment_2003" style="width: 298px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Swan-Lake2-Viengsay-Valdes-and-Jose-Losada.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2003  " alt="Cuban prima ballerina Viengsay Valdes with partner José Losada performing a black swan variation at the International Ballet Gala in Johannesburg 2013. Photo by Sarah Weyman" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Swan-Lake2-Viengsay-Valdes-and-Jose-Losada.jpg" width="288" height="288" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cuban prima ballerina Viengsay Valdes with partner José Losada performing a black swan variation at the International Ballet Gala in Johannesburg 2013. Photo by Sarah Weyman</p></div>
<h3>Dancing stars from across the globe</h3>
<p>So who are these leading dancers sharing the stage?</p>
<p>From Cuba, you’ll see prima ballerina <strong>Viengsay Valdés</strong> from the National Ballet of Cuba partnering with US ballet star <strong>Brooklyn Mack</strong> from The Washington Ballet, who is always a popular crowd-raising guest on the South African stage.</p>
<p>Miss Valdés is also a returning visitor to South Africa and gave an electric performance of the black swan during the <a href="http://bodymindballet.com/highlights-from-the-international-ballet-gala-part-1-and-what-they-didnt-tell-you-about-alicia-alonso/" target="_blank">International Ballet Gala of 2013</a>. She&#8217;s known for her remarkable sense of balance and performed <em>six</em> pirouette turns leading into fouettes! See for yourself in the video below.</p>
<p>From China, the Liaoning Ballet’s prima ballerina, <strong>Yu Chuanya</strong>, will perform with her partner <strong>Ma Ming</strong>. And South Africa’s own prima ballerina, Joburg Ballet’s beautiful <strong>Burnise Silvius</strong> dances with the dapper Brazilian <strong>Jonathan Rodrigues</strong>. It’s the United Nations on one stage in one night.</p>
<p>Missed opening night? Here’s the casting for the rest of the production for you to take your pick (casting subject to change).</p>
<h3>Casting for Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Swan Lake 2015</h3>
<p><strong>April 2015:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Friday 17, 19:30: Gala Performance with Joburg Ballet stars and visiting guest stars</li>
<li>Saturday 18, 15:00: Burnise Silvius (Odette-Odile), Jonathan Rodrigues (Prince)</li>
<li>Saturday 18, 19:30: Nicole Ferreira-Dill (Odette), Claudia Monja (Odile), Juan Carlos Osma (Prince)</li>
<li>Sunday 19, 15:00: Dancers from the Liaoning Ballet of China</li>
<li>Tuesday 21, 11:00: Claudia Monja (Odette-Odile), Juan Carlos Osma (Prince) – <em>Edutainment Performance</em></li>
<li>Friday 24, 19:30: Viengsay Valdés (Odette-Odile), Brooklyn Mack (Prince)</li>
<li>Saturday 25, 15:00: Burnise Silvius (Odette-Odile), Jonathan Rodrigues (Prince)</li>
<li>Saturday 25, 19:30: Dancers from the Liaoning Ballet of China</li>
<li>Sunday 26, 11:00: Kirstel Jensen (Odette-Odile), Michael Revie (Prince) – <em>Edutainment Performance</em></li>
<li>Sunday 26, 15:00: Viengsay Valdés (Odette-Odile), Brooklyn Mack (Prince)</li>
<li>Tuesday 28, 11:00: Nicole Ferreira-Dill (Odette-Odile), Juan Carlos Osma (Prince) – <em>Edutainment Performance</em></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>May 2015:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Friday 1, 19:30: Burnise Silvius (Odette-Odile), Jonathan Rodrigues (Prince)</li>
<li>Saturday 2, 15:00: Kirstel Jensen (Odette-Odile), Michael Revie (Prince)</li>
<li>Saturday 2, 19:30: Shannon Glover (Odette-Odile), Ramiro Samón (Prince)</li>
<li>Sunday 3, 15:00: Burnise Silvius (Odette-Odile), Brooklyn Mack (Prince)</li>
</ul>
<p>Now brace yourself for this, partly because of the poor video quality, but don&#8217;t worry, the other &#8216;partly&#8217; has to do with such astounding dancing that you can easily forgive the amateur footage&#8230;</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T5jvuVGke6E" height="315" width="420" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Friday 17 April &#8211; Sunday 3 May 2015.<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R100 to R400 via <a href="https://www.joburgtheatre.com/en-GB/shows/swan%20lake%20-%20the%20ultimate%20classic/events" target="_blank">JoburgTheatre.com</a> or 0861 670 670</p>
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		<title>See Joburg Ballet perform in studio ahead of China tour</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/see-joburg-ballet-perform-in-studio-ahead-of-china-tour/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=see-joburg-ballet-perform-in-studio-ahead-of-china-tour</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 07:49:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Claudia Monja]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitty Phetla]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Following an invitation to join the China-South Africa Year ceremonies in Beijing, Shanghai and Liaoning Province, Joburg Ballet are flying off to the People’s Republic of China this November, touring a showcase of some of their popular classical and contemporary dance works. But not before first performing their touring programme for audiences at home on [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1991" style="width: 311px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Burnise-Silvius-and-Claudia-Monja-dancing-in-Joburg-Ballet’s-Swan-Lake-2015-photo-by-Lauge-Sorensen.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1991 " alt="Claudia Monja and Prima Ballerina Burnise Silvius dancing in Joburg Ballet's Swan Lake. " src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Burnise-Silvius-and-Claudia-Monja-dancing-in-Joburg-Ballet’s-Swan-Lake-2015-photo-by-Lauge-Sorensen.jpg" width="301" height="517" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Claudia Monja and Prima Ballerina Burnise Silvius dancing in Joburg Ballet&#8217;s Swan Lake. Photo by Lauge Sorensen</p></div>
<p>Following an invitation to join the China-South Africa Year ceremonies in Beijing, Shanghai and Liaoning Province, Joburg Ballet are flying off to the People’s Republic of China this November, touring a showcase of some of their popular classical and contemporary dance works. But not before first performing their touring programme for audiences at home on 8 and 9 November 2014 from 3pm to 5pm at the Joburg Ballet Studios in Braamfontein.</p>
<p>Joburg Ballet describe themselves as “a world class African ballet company”, and with dancers currently performing in Denmark, Ireland, Cuba and now soon China, the company is certainly amplifying its world class reach.</p>
<p>You’ll be able to see Joburg Ballet’s popular showpieces in their own beautiful, light-filled dance studio, with all the behind-the-scenes action too as there’ll be no “wings” and black curtains to hide the back-stage action.</p>
<p>To add to the intimate studio experience, ticket holders are invited to watch the company take their warm-up class from 1pm to 2:15pm followed by delicious tea and treats before the China Tour Showcase at 3pm.</p>
<p>The afternoon programme will be headlined by dancer and choreographer Kitty Phetla’s contemporary version of Carmina Burana, plus extracts from the neo-classical work entitled Kopona, and pieces of pure classical sparkle from the world’s greatest ballets including the pas de deux from Don Quixote.</p>
<h3>Event details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2014<br />
<strong>Programme:</strong><br />
1pm to 2:15pm: Watch warm-up class (optional)<br />
2:20 to 3pm: Tea and treats<br />
3pm to 5pm: China Tour Showcase performance<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Ballet Studio 2, Joburg Theatre Complex, Hoofd Street, Braamfontein<br />
<strong>Parking:</strong> The National School of the Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg (opposite the studios).<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> R150 per person, tea included. Bookings through Edgar Moagi on 011 877 6898 or <a href="mailto:edgar@joburgballet.com">edgar@joburgballet.com</a></p>
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		<title>Brazouka reveals the best of Brazilian dance</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/brazouka-reveals-the-best-of-brazilian-dance/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=brazouka-reveals-the-best-of-brazilian-dance</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2014 14:41:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adriana Coutinho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Afro-Brazilian dance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anderson Mendes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arlene Phillips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bebé]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Braz Dos Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brazouka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brenda Oliviera de Carvalho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burn the Floor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carlos de Silva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fernanda de Silva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gilson Damasco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Harley Medcalf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josta Ruby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josy Borges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lambada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lambazouk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natasha Terekhina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pamela Stephenson-Connolly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rodrigo Oliviera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romina Hidalgo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarita Piotrowski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellington Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zouk-Lambada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zulu]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The best Brazilian dancers the world has seen are in South Africa about to set the stage alight. That’s according to the producers of Brazouka, “the sensational dance story from the toughest streets of Brazil”, which is about to launch its world tour at Joburg Theatre from 3 to 19 October 2014, following its world [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1985" style="width: 526px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Brazouka-photo-3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1985" alt="Braz Dos Santos and Romina Hidalgo in the brand new Brazilian dance show, Brazouka. " src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Brazouka-photo-3.jpg" width="516" height="347" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Braz Dos Santos and Romina Hidalgo in the brand new Brazilian dance show, Brazouka.</p></div>
<p>The best Brazilian dancers the world has seen are in South Africa about to set the stage alight. That’s according to the producers of <em>Brazouka</em>, “the sensational dance story from the toughest streets of Brazil”, which is about to launch its world tour at Joburg Theatre from 3 to 19 October 2014, following its world premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival.</p>
<p>This high profile dance-drama is performed by Brazil’s most thrilling new dance company led by Braz Dos Santos, widely known as the very best freestyle Lambazouk dancer in the world. What is <em>Lambazouk</em>? We’ll get to that in a moment, but still on the topic of ‘high profile’, the producers themselves seem to fit that title too.</p>
<p>Best-selling author, comedian and star of BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, Pamela Stephenson-Connolly, worked with TV star and West End musical choreographer Arlene Phillips and Australian producer Harley Medcalf, founder of the hit production Burn the Floor, to stage this extraordinary high-energy Brazilian dance show – Brazouka.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DZU2vIs2Ltg" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Commenting on his excitement to bring Brazouka to South Africa, producer Harley Medcalf says, “I have been to the greatest heights as the producer of Burn the Floor. I did not ever think I could better that feeling of high emotion. With Brazouka I definitely have!  It will move you, excite you and simply astound you. The talent and production is breathtaking. I wanted to share it with you, live on stage!”</p>
<h3>See the dance style of &#8216;Lambazouk&#8217;</h3>
<p>The show introduces the sensational dance language of Lambazouk and other authentic Afro-Brazilian dances. Lambazouk or Zouk-Lambada is a dance style based on and evolving from the original Lambada style, typically danced to zouk music or music with a zouk beat.</p>
<p>And for our ballet readers, of course, whether it&#8217;s lambazouk or ballroom, ballet is still an important part of any professional dancers&#8217; training, as you can see in this making-of video from behind-the-scenes rehearsals and more sneak-peak previews&#8230;</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DtAviwKymfA" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>As a pioneer in this dance style, it was Braz Dos Santos’ own personal story of his struggle from humble beginnings as a fisherman’s son to dance his way onto the world’s stage that has inspired Brazouka.</p>
<p>When not out on perilous fishing trips to earn a living on a makeshift boat, the young Dos Santos and his brother Didi watched the birth of the lambada dance form by peeking through the door of the local bordello/brothel.</p>
<p>After being discovered dancing in his flip flops in a beach bar, Dos Santos and his brother were asked to travel to Paris (a place they had never heard of) to dance the lambada, which had become known as the ‘Forbidden Dance’. The boys’ father, a shaman in the Candomblé religion, forbade them to go. But for Braz the choice was clear: with precarious fishing being the only option if he stayed, it was a case of ‘dance or die’.</p>
<p>Joining Dos Santos on stage, the cast of gorgeous dancers are: Adriana Coutinho, Anderson Mendes, Bebé, Brenda Oliviera de Carvalho, Carlos de Silva, Fernanda de Silva, Gilson Damasco, Josta Ruby, Josy Borges, Natasha Terekhina, Rodrigo Oliviera, Romina Hidalgo, Sarita Piotrowski, Wellington Santos, and Zulu.</p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> 3 – 19 October 2014<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> The Mandela at Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R180 via <a href="http://www.joburgtheatre.com" target="_blank">www.joburgtheatre.com</a> or by calling 0861 670 670.</p>
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		<title>Last chance to see The Nutcracker with a South African koeksister twist</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/last-chance-to-see-the-nutcracker-with-a-real-south-african-koeksister-twist/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=last-chance-to-see-the-nutcracker-with-a-real-south-african-koeksister-twist</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adele Blank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrew Botha]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angela Revie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dayana Hardy Acuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jessica Overton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Rodrigues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitty Phetla]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olivia Parfitt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Randol Figueredo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanmarie Kreuzhuber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shannon Glover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SircuSynergy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Nutcracker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Nutcracker Re-Imagined]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1974" style="width: 567px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Kalahari-Desert-scene-in-Joburg-Ballets-Nutcracker-Re-Imagined.-photo-by-Susanne-Holbaek.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1974 " alt="The Nutcracker set in the Kalahari Desert? You'll have to see it to believe it. Photo by Susanne Holbaek " src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Kalahari-Desert-scene-in-Joburg-Ballets-Nutcracker-Re-Imagined.-photo-by-Susanne-Holbaek.jpg" width="557" height="342" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Nutcracker set in the Kalahari Desert? You&#8217;ll have to see it to believe it. Photo by Susanne Holbaek</p></div>
<p>It’s the Nutcracker, but re-told in an African way and re-styled with a local-is-<em>lekker</em> flair. While still set to the beautiful effervescent music of Tchaikovsky, Joburg Ballet’s all new <strong><em>The Nutcracker Re-Imagined</em></strong> switches the usual snowy northern Christmas scenes for such sunny African settings as the Kalahari, complete with gumboots and Namaqua daisies.</p>
<p>Running as part of a double season alongside the company’s first staging of <a href="http://bodymindballet.com/see-grand-ancient-india-with-joburg-ballets-premiere-of-la-bayadere/" target="_blank">La Bayadère</a>, The Nutcracker Re-Imagined is on at the Joburg Theatre from 12 to 27 September 2014 with staging by Adèle Blank, sets by Andrew Botha and even circus tricks designed specifically for Joburg Ballet by SircuSynergy.</p>
<div id="attachment_1977" style="width: 537px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Gum-Boot-Dance-in-Joburg-Ballets-Nutcracker-Re-Imagined.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1977" alt="Ballet dancers can jump, but can they stomp? Joburg Ballet's gum boot dancers show us how. Photo by Susanne Holbaek" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Gum-Boot-Dance-in-Joburg-Ballets-Nutcracker-Re-Imagined.jpg" width="527" height="353" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ballet dancers can jump, but can they stomp? Joburg Ballet&#8217;s gum boot dancers show us how. Photo by Susanne Holbaek</p></div>
<h3>Same traditional storyline with some fresh new characters</h3>
<p>While it may not be ballet tradition for The Nutcracker, a sangoma is very traditional and a completely appropriate South African replacement for the mysterious, magical and more familiar Dr Drosselmeyer character. Kitty Phetla and Sanmarie Kreuzhuber will perform as the Sangoma at alternating performances during the 5-performance season.</p>
<p>Clara, the young girl who receives a nutcracker doll and whose dream-world journey weaves the story of The Nutcracker Re-Imagined, will be shared by senior soloist Angela Revie, senior corps dancer Jessica Overton and Olivia Parfitt, who recently joined Joburg Ballet directly from two years at the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto.</p>
<p>The characters of the Moon and the Sun, who in this production perform the Grand Pas De Deux, will be danced by Cubans Dayana Hardy Acuna and Randol Figueredo, alternating with principal dancer Shannon Glover and senior soloist Jonathan Rodrigues.</p>
<p>For a little sneak peak preview, see this video from Morning Live’s outside broadcast (which was filmed quite literally outside Joburg Ballet’s studios) where the company launched their double spring season of La Bayadère and The Nutcracker Re-Imagined.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/L804p7Va_qk" height="315" width="420" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Final show: Saturday 27 September at 7:30pm.<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R100 to R400 via <a href="http://www.joburgtheatre.com/en-GB/shows/la%20bayadere/events" target="_blank">JoburgTheatre.com</a> or 0861 670 670</p>
<p><strong>Special booking offer – Ballet Combo:</strong> 20% off all performances except ½ Price Nights if booking for both La Bayadère and The Nutcracker Re-Imagined at the same time. (When booking online, add the code <strong>joburg ballet</strong> into the coupon field and click on the green plus button to activate the discount to your purchase.)</p>
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		<title>See grand, ancient India with Joburg Ballet’s premiere of La Bayadère</title>
		<link>https://bodymindballet.com/see-grand-ancient-india-with-joburg-ballets-premiere-of-la-bayadere/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=see-grand-ancient-india-with-joburg-ballets-premiere-of-la-bayadere</link>
		<comments>https://bodymindballet.com/see-grand-ancient-india-with-joburg-ballets-premiere-of-la-bayadere/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:28:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Robynn Burls]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angela Revie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnise Silvius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Claudia Monja]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dayana Hardy Acuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dirk Badenhorst]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iain MacDonald]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet Academy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Ballet Cuban School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joburg Theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Rodrigues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Juan Carlos Osma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kingdom of the Shades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[La Bayadére]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lindé Wessels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis David Valle Ponce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manuel Noram]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Ballet of Cuba]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Ferreira-Dill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigel Hannah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramiro Samón]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanmarie Kreuzhuber-Hagler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shannon Glover]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[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 [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1959" style="width: 541px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/La-Bayadere-11.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1959  " alt="Classical ballet in grand style, Joburg Ballet's La Bayadère is on at Joburg Theatre from 12 to 28 September 2014. " src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/La-Bayadere-11.jpg" width="531" height="309" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Classical ballet in grand style, Joburg Ballet&#8217;s La Bayadère is on at Joburg Theatre from 12 to 28 September 2014. Photo courtesy Joburg Ballet.</p></div>
<p>Known as one of the greatest 19th century ballets, <em>La Bayadère</em> (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 28 September 2014.</p>
<h3>Large cast assembled from South Africa and Cuba</h3>
<div id="attachment_1964" style="width: 315px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/LA-BAYADERE-Kingdom-of-the-Shades-scene.-photo-by-Lauge-Sorensen.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1964 " alt="Enter the ethereal plane of the Kingdom of the Shades. Photo by Lauge Sorensen" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/LA-BAYADERE-Kingdom-of-the-Shades-scene.-photo-by-Lauge-Sorensen.jpg" width="305" height="382" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Enter the ethereal plane of the Kingdom of the Shades. Photo by Lauge Sorensen</p></div>
<p>To stage such a big ballet as La Bayadère requires opulent stage sets and a large cast of dancers, particularly for choreographer Marius Petipa&#8217;s iconic Kingdom of the Shades scenes where columns of shades (spirits) descend with their synchronous arabesque sequence.</p>
<p>To achieve the grand scale, the company has assembled a large cast including Joburg Ballet’s own principal dancers, soloists and corps de ballet, a guest artist from the National Ballet of Cuba, dancers from the Joburg Ballet Academy, Joburg Ballet Cuban School, additional freelance dancers and extras, as well as two veteran ballet personalities for the mime roles.</p>
<p>In celebrating 5 years of the South Africa-Cuba ballet partnership begun by CEO Dirk Badenhorst in 2009, Joburg Ballet has cast National Ballet of Cuba guest artist Luis David Valle Ponce in the lead male role for certain performances (see full casting below).</p>
<p>Valle Ponce will share the role of the warrior Solor with Ramiro Samón, Juan Carlos Osma and Jonathan Rodrigues. As for the temple dancer Nikiya, the bayadère will be danced by Joburg Ballet’s prima ballerina Burnise Silvius as well as Shannon Glover, Nicole Ferreira-Dill and Lindé Wessels. The rival love interest of Princess Gamzatti will be performed by Claudia Monja, Angela Revie, Sanmarie Kreuzhuber-Hagler and Dayana Hardy Acuna.</p>
<div id="attachment_1967" style="width: 589px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Shannon-Glover-and-Luis-David-Valle-Ponce.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1967" alt="Shannon Glover and Luis David Valle Ponce as Nikiya and her warrior love Solor. Photo by Lauge Sorensen" src="http://bodymindballet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Shannon-Glover-and-Luis-David-Valle-Ponce.jpg" width="579" height="441" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shannon Glover and Luis David Valle Ponce as Nikiya and her warrior love Solor. Photo by Lauge Sorensen</p></div>
<p>One of the ballet’s spectacular male showpieces, the Bronze Idol, will be shared by Luis David Valle Ponce, Javier Monier, Jonathan Rodrigues, Ramiro Samón and Randol Figueredo, while the two major mime roles &#8211; the Rajah and the High Brahmin – will be portrayed by the highly experienced Manuel Noram and Nigel Hannah.</p>
<p>Admitting to the huge undertaking that is La Bayadère, artistic director Iain MacDonald says he’s proud of the dedication and passion of the team, adding that “a classic like La Bayadère is a supreme challenge for any ballet company and our audiences can look forward to a major new addition to our repertoire, beautifully danced by the whole company.”</p>
<h3>Casting for La Bayadère:</h3>
<p>Casting details (subject to change) are as follows for the roles of Nikiya, Solor, Gamzatti and the Bronze Idol:</p>
<ul>
<li>Friday 12 September at 7:30pm: Silvius, Samón, Monja, Valle Ponce</li>
<li>Saturday 13 September at 3pm: Glover, Valle Ponce, A. Revie, Monier</li>
<li>Saturday 13 September at 7:30pm: Ferreira-Dill, Osma, Monja, Rodrigues</li>
<li>Sunday 14 September at 11am: Wessels, Rodrigues, Kreuzhuber-Hagler, Samón</li>
<li>Sunday 14 September at 3pm: Glover, Valle Ponce, A. Revie, Figueredo</li>
<li>Tuesday 16 September at 11am: Glover, Valle Ponce, A. Revie, Samón</li>
<li>Sunday 21 September at 11am: Ferreira-Dill, Osma, Monja, Rodrigues</li>
<li>Sunday 21 September at 3pm: Silvius, Samón, Acuna, Figueredo</li>
<li>Wednesday 24 September at 7:30pm: Wessels, Rodrigues, Kreuzhuber-Hagler, Samón</li>
<li>Friday 26 September at 7:30pm: Silvius, Samón, Monja, Rodrigues</li>
<li>Saturday 27 September at 3pm: Ferreira-Dill, Osma, Kreuzhuber-Hagler, Valle Ponce</li>
<li>Sunday 28 September at 3pm: Silvius, Samón, Acuna, Monier</li>
</ul>
<h3>Booking details:</h3>
<p><strong>Dates:</strong> Fri 12 Sep 7:30pm (½ Price Night); Sat 13 Sep 3pm &amp; 7:30pm; Sun 14 Sep 11am &amp; 3pm; Tue 16 Sep 11am (School Performance); Sun 21 Sep 11am &amp; 3pm; Wed 24 Sep 7:30pm; Fri 26 Sep 7:30pm; Sat 27 Sep 3pm; Sun 28 Sep 3pm.<br />
<strong>Venue:</strong> Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br />
<strong>Tickets:</strong> from R100 to R400 via <a href="http://www.joburgtheatre.com/en-GB/shows/la%20bayadere/events" target="_blank">JoburgTheatre.com</a> or 0861 670 670</p>
<p><strong>Special booking offer &#8211; Ballet Combo:</strong> 20% off all performances except ½ Price Nights if booking for both La Bayadère and The Nutcracker Re-Imagined at the same time. (When booking online, add the code <strong>joburg ballet</strong> into the coupon field and click on the green plus button to activate the discount to your purchase.)</p>
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