The world gets tipped over, and the descending snowflakes become a dance spectrum journey not to be missed as the National School of the Arts stages their annual flagship production this May.
A double bill and a trio of dance organisations make up the production which will feature an eclectic fusion of choreographic influences including pantsula, hip-hop, Chinese and Indian dance.
The show opens with Clara’s Journey, an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Act 2, performed by youngsters from the National School of the Arts (NSA).
It is followed by an exciting restaging of Johannesburg Youth Ballet’s Ruby Suite, in collaboration with the NSA and Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM).
Read: Local schools participate in national Schools Democracy Week
The production runs from 10 to 13 May at Joburg Theatre.
Brenda Sakellarides, a creative consultant on the production, said Dance Spectrum not only reflects the different styles of dance taught at the school but also dance styles from other cultures. “Dance Spectrum is a reflection of the power of youth dance in the city – and a showcase of the incredible dance talent that we have at the National School of the Arts,” she said.
Clara’s Journey starts with a geography class daydream and develops into a kaleidoscopic adventure to exotic lands where choreographic surprises await at every destination.
“Expect vibrant colours, dramatic dynamics and the excitement of a diverse dance palette where ballet, African, pantsula, Chinese, Spanish, contemporary and Indian dance find harmony with classical Russian ballet music.”
The piece features choreography by Haydee Baker, Laura Cameron, Gillian Bonegio, Jayd Swart and Manuel Norambuena. Guest choreographers include Eugene Mashiane and Jayesperi Moopen from Tribhangi Dance Theatre.
“We are thrilled to partner with not one but two organisations who have now reached their 40 year milestone anniversary,” said Haydee Baker, the school’s head of dance.
Ruby Suite is an exciting mix of neo-classical ballet, contemporary, flamenco and hip-hop, and features choreography by Laura Cameron, Alexandra le Maitre, Mary-Ann Mottram and Mark Hawkins.
Read: National Slipper Day makes children’s dreams a reality
“Partnering with both the Johannesburg Youth Ballet and Moving into Dance to re-stage Ruby Suite is also a way for the NSA to acknowledge the achievements of these two companies. It is essential to expose our young learners to other companies and choreographers… we have to ensure that our horizons are always expanding,” she said.
Endorsing Baker’s point was school principal Gary Natali who said, “We are a school that specialises in performing and creative arts, and we have to ensure that at all times we are moving forward and raising the bar.”
The tickets are affordably priced at R100, and special block bookings are available at R80 per ticket.
Details: Charmaine Stander 011 339 6539.
Tell us about your theatrical experience on the North Eastern Tribune Facebook page
