Words: Lucy O’Connell | Image: Supplied
Since they were established six years ago, Joburg Ballet has become synonymous with creating dazzling performances and unforgettable shows with their incredibly talented dancers.
From the crisp elegance of classical ballet to the sweep and surge of contemporary dance, the company beautifully blends dance styles to entertain and delight audiences. From 29 June until 7 July, they return to Joburg Theatre for their second season of 2018 with Fire and Ice.
In keeping with their reputation for pushing the boundaries of dance, Fire and Ice is a dynamic double bill that brings together two contrasting ballets – Act 3 of the classical Russian ballet Raymonda, which dates back to 1898, and Whispers Of My Soul, which will be seeing its world premiere.
Though it’s never been performed in Joburg before, Act 3 of Raymonda is set to carry the familiar weightiness and attention to detail that dance lovers will already associate with classical Russian ballet.
Considered by some to be the finest classical choreography ever created in a single act, Joburg Ballet will be presenting it through the staging of Brazilian producer Guivalde de Almeida.
“When I saw Guivalde’s work in Brazil last year I was so impressed I immediately asked him to share his expertise with us,” said Joburg Ballet artistic director, Iain MacDonald. “His staging of the technically challenging but breathtakingly beautiful third act from Raymonda will give Joburg audiences the opportunity to see this great classical jewel for the first time.”
Whispers Of My Soul, in contrast, is a brand-new show that has been commissioned by Joburg Ballet from Redha, a celebrated Paris-based choreographer. With decades of experience in the industry as both a dancer and choreographer, Redha is known for his modern ballets, his large-scale events – he worked on the opening of the Fifa World Cup in France in 1998 – and his collaboration with huge entertainment names like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Elton John. To have this powerful choreographer premiering new work in Joburg is an incredible tribute to the place that Joburg Ballet has on the international dance scene.
Playing for just eight performances, Fire and Ice is the perfect introduction to dance for new fans, and a not-to-be-missed show for dedicated dance devotees.
Fire and Ice
011 877 6855
joburgtheatre.com/fire-ice-ballet-info
