26 Feb 2015

Fans and enthusiasts of ballet will on March 23 get the chance to see the renowned Joburg Ballet live and direct at Maitisong. 

In an interview, Maitisong director, Gao Lemmenyane said the Joburg Ballet was a World Class African Ballet Company with elegant moves, elaborate costume, spectacular lighting and make up and promises a breath taking programme from classical ballets.

“Joburg Ballet is a major South African cultural institution presenting ballet in Johannesburg, across South Africa and internationally as well as operating extensive educational, development and outreach programmes,” he said. He said Joburg Ballet dancers reflected South African demographics and it was racially and culturally diverse with dancers from around the globe.

Lemmenyane said the company’s mission was to make dance an accessible form of artistic expression embracing the widest cross section of society, enhance standards, training, development, job creation, opportunities, continuity, sustainability, tourism, international goodwill and transformation. “The dancers possess incredible talent, poise, elegance and grace,” he said, adding that there would only be two shows on March 23. “One will be at 2pm and the other at 19:30pm.”

He further said Botswana’s own Riza Ballet, owned by Rita Lee, would open the floor for Joburg Ballet. “This presents an incredible opportunity for the young ballerinas to step up onto the stage alongside some of the world’s greatest ballet dancers,” he said.

He was hopeful that young dancers would aspire to become part of great companies like Joburg Ballet. Tickets for the show are available at Maitisong, Riverwalk and all Spar outlets and the tickets go for P250, P150 and P100. Lemmenyane encouraged ballet fans to attend in numbers and be part of the experience at Maitisong. “It would be good for the our local talent to get some cheering and support from home as this may have a significant end result going forward. What is better than being appreciated by your own people” he said. ENDS