Calling all dance and ballet groups
JOBURG - DANCE and ballet groups from across the city have been invited to participate in this year's Just Dance! competition.
The competition will be run by Joburg Ballet in association with former ballet dancer and teacher Cindy Gruskin-Polakow in September.
Joburg Ballet spokesperson Lindsay McDonald said the competition will take place at the same time as the ballet’s new productions of La Bayadère and The Nutcracker Re-Imagined at Joburg Theatre.
“[The competition will see] studios and groups compete for prizes [to be] awarded in recognition of a combination of entertainment values and technical accomplishment,” he said.
“[It] is open to dancers, teachers and choreographers, professional and non-professional, working in all dance techniques – and a wide range of performing styles is anticipated.”
The judging this year will be in two categories: ballet, and all others styles.
There will be a R5 000 cash prize for the best group in each category.
The closing date for applications is 8 August, after which auditions facilitated by Joburg Ballet’s development programme will be held at the theatre, and in Soweto and Alexandra.
“Competing groups must commit to performing in the preliminary rounds as well as in the finals,” said McDonald.
Groups must be made up of five or more dancers, and all dance styles will be welcomed. Each work may be no longer than four minutes, and no sets may be used.
Basic stage lighting will be provided.
“On the final day of the programme, 28 September, all groups will re-assemble and compete again, after which the winners will be announced and the prizes and awards presented,” he said.
“A wide range of awards will be presented in the two categories. In addition to the cash awards and other prizes, performing opportunities will be awarded to selected individuals by the celebrity judges.”
Details: 011 877 6898; edgar@joburgballet.com; www.joburgballet.com
