The Joburg Ballet showcased their latest production of Swan Lake at the Joburg Theatre at an extravagant opening night on 17 April. The lavish event saw special guests and foreign dignitaries attending. The opening night sprinkled some of that added stardust, with a gala performance that featured different principal couples dancing in each act, which is a first in South Africa.
Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald was very pleased with the ballet company’s efforts in bringing Swan Lake to life. “We are extremely proud of everyone involved. The company has been pushing themselves as a sport to catch the eye of the unexpected audience. On the other, they have to remember why classical ballet has become exactly that. It’s the dance and the music and the tradition that pulls them in. We don’t want to mess with that,” he said.
Casting was an influential factor with this year’s production. Reciprocating Joburg Ballet’s visit to China for the Year of South Africa in China last year, 21 dancers from the Liaoning Ballet of China joined forces with Joburg Ballet for a grand production of Swan Lake.
Supported by the South African Department of Arts and Culture, China’s Ministry of Culture and the Year of China in South Africa initiative, the ballet has been produced and presented by the two ballet companies. Bolstering the intend lineup are two magnificent guest stars, one from Cuba – prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés,the other from the United States of America – Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet.
Other speakers at the opening night were Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Tian Xuejun who spoke about how collaboration in the arts is allowing South Africa and China to build stronger diplomatic bonds.
Joburg Ballet CEO Dirk Badenhorst was amazed at how all the planning has come together so brilliantly. “The opening night is truly a historical event for the Joburg Ballet in terms of its unique and highly valued collaboration with the Liaoning Ballet of China,” he said.
The production is running from 18 April to 3 May.
