Last Saturday, just before 11am, the lights went out in Discovery. But, instead of the usual groan of disgust, there was an expectant hush. Moments later, a curtain swished upwards, and we were transported into a bedroom at Sparrow’s Nest, where six little girls were playing with their dolls just before bed-time.
It was time for The Magic Toy Box to open at the Roodepoort Theatre. It released loads of dancing fairies, led by Tinkerbell (aka Keamogetswe Njody), followed closely by Dora the Explorer, Boots and their friends. Next on stage was a bevy of Barbies, with a very suave Ken (Aaron Veal) and his buddy, danced by Bandile Mntolo.
And so it continued, with a solo from Belle, a tall, slender 18-year-old Haleigh van Rooyen, who has danced with the group for many years. She and Beate Lindes (Supergirl) told the Record that dancing is better than therapy as far as they’re concerned. “It’s the best way ever to get rid of your woes and worries”, they said. Belle was followed by Doc Mc Stuffins (Raquel Swarts), Lambie, Hallie, and a bunch of their friends; the Captain, Spongebob, Patrick, and a flock of Angry Birds. Next we saw seven dainty Disney Princesses, including Tiana (11-year-old Liza O’Brien, all the way from Randfontein). Tiana’s parents, Romulus and Jennifer, commented on how important they felt it was for children to be exposed to some culture, instead of staying glued to technology.
Next on stage was a little Hello Kitty and her friends, and then Mickey Mouse appeared – and lost his head, but not his cool! Aaron Veal just picked up the head, put it back on and the show went on, with Minnie Mouse and a whole crowd of Clubhouse Children. Immediately afterwards, we were treated to a pas de deux by Supergirl (Beate Lindes) and a staunch-looking Batman (Jerowi Roberts).
Second to last were two characters from Toy Story – portrayed by Chad Turner and Chloe Shannon. When Chloe pulled out her gun and shot Chad, the audience roared, and the applause when she delicately extended a hand and helped him back to his feet was deafening. Finally, we saw three Minions, one of whom fell over (deliberately) and was dragged off stage, to much laughter from the audience.
The music was a medley from the TV shows and movies our children stay glued to on a daily basis. The audience clapped along to the Chicken Dance, and applauded till their hands were sore. All the little girls in the audience were entranced. One, three-year-old Bailey Wall, didn’t blink once throughout the show, and her five-year-old cousin, Olivia Gee sat as if riveted to her seat, as did their mommies and granny!
And where did all these aspiring dancers come from? From the Mogale Youth Ballet, a dance school run by Carla Turner. There were far too many dancers to mention them all by name, but they know who they were, and I’m sure they know the audience loved every second of the show. Well done, kids! You did your teacher proud!
Carla and her dancers invited the children from Baby Moses, Sparrow’s Nest, the Cradle of Hope, Dora’s Ark and St Laurence Children’s Home to a special viewing on Saturday 16 July as a way of giving back to the community, and also collected toys for charity at three theatres – Roodepoort, Soweto and Joburg.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
Also read:
Joburg ballet returns to Roodepoort Theatre
Four ballet performances for charity next weekend
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