The ballet industry is clearly booming, and what better way to celebrate the start of spring than with a whimsical night at the theatre?
Here’s our list of the best ballet shows to catch this year:
Big City, Big Dreams
The celebrated Joburg Ballet has teamed up with the Vuyani Dance Theatre and Moving Into Dance Mophatong to bring us a brand new production that’s all about Joburg’s unique energy and atmosphere. You’ll love the fusion of classical ballet and modern street dancing, as well as the contemporary urban setting and sleek costumes.
On at the Joburg Theatre from 28 July to 1 August
Book here: R80 – R450 pp, Joburg Theatre
Stars of the Ballet Russia
Russian ballet stars pay tribute to one of the greatest dancers in history, Rudolf Nureyev, in this one-of-a-kind production. The two acts are divided between a film on Nureyev’s life, accompanied by various dances, and a ‘divertissement’ featuring well-known pieces that the great dancer performed in the past.
On at various venues across SA from 5 to 19 August
Book here: R200 – R300 pp, Computicket
Looking for a reason to wear your leotard again? Try the latest amped-up ballet fitness trend:
The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre
Dancers from the renowned St Petersburg Ballet Theatre will be treating local audiences to a limited spring performance of two of their celebrated ballets, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Both expertly danced to Tchaikovsky’s original scores, these productions are sure to amaze – catch the moving love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette in Swan Lake from 15 to 19 September, and Clara’s magical adventures with her toy prince in The Nutcracker on 23 and 24 September. This is Russian ballet at its best!
On at the Teatro at Montecasino, Joburg
Book here: R290 – R690 pp, Computicket
Snow White
The much-loved fairy tale is brought to life by the Joburg Ballet’s talented dancers. Choreographer Ian Macdonald, known for his beautiful version of Cinderella, lends his expertise to this production, which is brimming with magic, intrigue and enchantment. Who didn’t fall in love with the story of Snow White and the prince the first time you heard it?
On at the Joburg Theatre from 13 to 22 October
Book here: R80 – R450 pp, Joburg Theatre
If you’d like to keep your theatrical entertainment indoors rather, we’ve picked out 10 must-watch shows:
Don Quixote
We love this Spanish-style ballet that’s packed with humour, technique and flamboyance. The story is all about friendship, love, and the adventures of a medieval knight and his trusty servant.
On from 20 to 29 October at Cape Town’s Artscape Opera House
Book here: R100 – R350 pp, Computicket
Video of the Month
