Burnise Silvius hangs up her shoes after La Traviata…

Joburg Ballet’s prima ballerina Burnise Silvius has announced that she will be retiring from the stage at the end of the upcoming season of La Traviata – The Ballet at Joburg Theatre, with her final performance taking place on 9 April.

She will dance the tragic heroine Camille, partnered by guest artist Juan Ledo, in the role of Armand, of the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires.

Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald makes a rare return to the stage during the season in the character role of Germont.

The 10-performance season of La Traviata – The Ballet runs from 31 March to 9 April. In addition to Silvius and Ledo, dancers sharing the roles of Camille and Armand are Shannon Glover and Juan Carlos Osma, Dayana Acuna and Michael Revie, and Claudia Monja and Osma.

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Speaking about her imminent retirement, Silvius said she was grateful to look back on a long and fulfilling career. “I’ve been privileged to perform an extensive repertoire of ballets by many great choreographers, to have worked with distinguished teachers, coaches and producers, and with wonderful colleagues, many of whom have become close friends. I will miss the warm and generous audiences, not only in South Africa, but around the world.

“Right now I’m looking forward to my wedding in September, and coming to the ballet as part of the audience and eating a whole box of Whispers at the theatre.”

Commenting on Silvius’ retirement, MacDonald paid tribute to her.

“Burnise will be remembered by audiences not only as one of South Africa’s finest dancers, but by her colleagues as someone who was exceptional in so many ways. Her dedication, passion, commitment, humility, humour and unfailing quest for excellence are just some of the qualities that combined to create the artist and the woman who will be remembered and loved long after the curtain falls on her final performance on 9 April at Joburg Theatre.”

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