Joburg Ballet’s Studio Soirees
JOHANNESBURG – Joburg Ballet plans to end the year with an incredible season of weekend Studio Soirees at the magnificent studios at the Joburg Theatre.
“Following the recent Spring Season which saw Joburg Ballet inviting choreographers, producers and coaches from the broader SA ballet and dance community, we are delighted to further develop this by inviting Liane Lurie back to stage two pieces for the company,” said Joburg Ballet artistic director, Iain MacDonald. He added that they are also approaching other distinguished ballet personalities to share their wealth of knowledge.
The 20th century classic Les Sylphides will return to the Jozi stage for the first time in years. The show is classified as classical ballet’s first plotless, pure dance work and is set to the music of Frédéric Chopin.
The Studio Soiree also includes the Joburg Ballet premieres of the farewell pas de deux from Spartacus and the Walpurgisnacht pas de deux. Danced to music by Khatchaturian, the farewell pas de deux from Spartacus is from South African choreographer Veronica Paeper’s full-length version of the ballet.
Walpurgisnacht pas de deux will also return to link Joburg Ballet to its roots in South African ballet and is choreographed by Malcom Burn after the original by André Prokovsky.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Flower Festival At Genzano which was first performed by Joburg Ballet in 2013. The fleet-footed and sparkling pas de deux perfectly captures the speed and buoyancy of the 19th-century Danish style.
Those visiting the Saturday afternoon performances will also be able to catch highlights from Somebody To Love to the music of Queen, which has been restaged this season by Lindé Wessels. You’ll also be able to see a new neo-classical solo danced by visiting Brazilian dancer, Ruan Da Silva, as well as Joburg Ballet Academy students when they perform two pieces choreographed by prima ballerina Burnise Silvius and principal dancer Shannon Glover.
Each performance starts at 3pm and the Studio Soiree dates are as follows:
31 October
1 November
14 November
It’s all happening at Joburg Ballet Studios, Joburg Theatre, Hoofd Street entrance, Braamfontein.
Tickets cost R150.
Details: 011 877 6898; edgar@joburgballet.com
