Cross-dressing extravaganza
JOBURG - One of South Africa's most seasoned dancers is bringing you a show that crosses all boundaries.
Adele Blank, a ballerina and choreographer who once danced with Joburg Ballet, is bringing the ballet world a show unlike any other – not quite a drag show, but rather a Cross Dress tale.
“Whenever I go to Joburg with my Cape Town dancers, they always want to try on my beautiful clothes and cross dress,” said Blank.
“I know lots of men who appreciate beautiful, gorgeous women’s clothing – and even lots of couples who like to do it.”
The show, which crosses the boundaries of traditional ballet, will also feature contemporary dance during which a tale of cross-dressing will be told to the audience.
Blank believes the dressing habits of a person do not reflect any other characteristics. “It’s not a reflection of one’s orientation – whether they’re gay or straight – but it’s just who you are.”
With having conceptualised a number which never made it to the stage, Blank was fortunate enough to pitch the idea to the right person to get it up and running.
“The concept has been in my head for a while,” she continued.
“I had been thinking about it for a long time, and then I came to Joburg and I spoke to Dirk [Badenhorst, CEO of Joburg Ballet] about it and he said, ‘let’s do it’, so here it is.”
Blank did not want to give too much away about the show, and rather encouraged the public to get down to Joburg Ballet during the ballet showcase from 28 August to 13 September and watch the performances for themselves.
Cross Dress features music arranged and performed live by Tony Bentel and with costumes designed by leading SA fashion designer David Tlale.
Blank, due to her extensive work outside the country, has also been instrumental in launching the careers of dancers on an international level.
Details: www.joburgtheatre.com
