Open day at Joburg Ballet

The company, which has undergone a number of changes including new ticket pricing in 2016, is set to host the first in the company’s series of open days.

Joburg Ballet will be welcoming the public to their studio in Braamfontein to get an informal glimpse into the working life of the company.

The Giselle open day on 19 March at 10am will offer families the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars of Joburg Ballet as they prepare for next month’s season of the romantic, full-length classic.

Visitors to the studio will be allowed to go behind the scenes and watch a warm-up class, followed by rehearsals with the dancers who will be taking leading roles during the Joburg Theatre season.

Those who are interested to learn more about the story behind Giselle will be able to take the opportunity to put forward questions to artistic director at Joburg Ballet, Iain MacDonald.

Joburg Ballet’s prima ballerina, Burnise Silvius, brings one of her most highly acclaimed portrayals to the stage when she performs the title role in Giselle on the opening night at the Joburg Theatre on 8 April.

Last seen playing Giselle in the production in Johannesburg four years ago, Silvius subsequently danced the role to wide acclaim as a guest artist with Shanghai Ballet.

In April, she will be partnered by newly-promoted principal dancer, Jonathan Rodrigues playing the role of Albrecht.

Also scheduled to play the role of Giselle on the following performance nights are Shannon Glover, Kirstel Jensen and Dayna Acuna, with the role of Albrecht also being played by Juan Carlos Osma and Michael Revie.

Details: 011 877 6898; edgar@joburgballet.com; www.joburgballet.com