Kirstel Jensen debuts as Juliet
JOBURG – Ballerina, Kirstel Jensen, lets us in on her past, present and future at Joburg Ballet
Joburg Ballet’s newest Juliet is loving the big city and doesn’t mind putting in the long hours to be the best the show has seen.
Cape Town’s Kirstel Jensen has been a part of Joburg Ballet since 2014 when she and her fiancé relocated to the City of Gold, but her dreams of being a ballerina started at age three.
It was at five years old that her mother saw that she was committed to pursuing a career in ballet and finally allowed her to start classes under the guidance of Jennifer Klipfel, after which she attended the University of Cape Town’s School of Dance and completed a Dance Teachers Diploma.
Jensen was a member of Cape Town City Ballet before moving to Fourways and explained that the adjustment from a relaxed Capetonian lifestyle to big-city living was not as drastic as she would have thought. “I’m not a clubber, my fiancé and I like to go to dinners or braais. It’s very chilled. I love the markets. That’s my vibe.”
With her busy 10am to 6pm weekday schedule, it’s hard work to train as a soloist at the company and it’s a wonder that she maintains a social life.
SOLO AND PRINCIPAL: Kirstel Jensen performs as a soloist, principal dancer and corps de ballet member in Romeo and Juliet.
“Being a soloist is… not like being a principal [dancer] because then you just do principal roles. As a soloist – if you get a principal role – you do your principal roles and soloist roles and corps de ballet [dances as a part of a group], so during a full season you’re on every single day.”
Taking on the role as Juliet in the famous Romeo and Juliet, set to take to the stage in July, is one such instance when she must perform in many different roles during the season. “It’s hard and it takes a toll on you, but I’ve been doing this for a long time and we know how to take care of ourselves,” she continued.
This season, Jensen is excited to take on the role of Juliet and put her own personal flair into the part. “It’s my debut [as Juliet], so I’m very excited. I’ve never done Romeo and Juliet before so I’m really excited – and I love the music.”
With ballet aspirations high, this young ballerina is also focused on the bigger picture.
“I would love to become a principal one day. I think that’s the dream for everyone who joins the ballet – that’s your goal.
“Personally, my fiancé and I are getting married in February, so I’m excited for that. And then, when I stop dancing, I’d like to have babies.”
Before she plays the role of mother, however, she will play the role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Joburg Theatre, so don’t miss out on the ballet spectacular during July.
