On 28 March 2023 Ms Turner resigned as Chief Executive Officer (“the CEO”) and Artistic Director of the Cape Town City Ballet (“the CTCB”). Ms Turner instituted a claim of constructive dismissal against the CTCB at the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (“the CCMA”). After proceedings started at the CCMA the parties engaged each other and reached an agreement in resolution of the disputes between them.

The CTCB acknowledges the invaluable contributions Ms Turner made to the CTCB as its CEO and Artistic Director, her artistic vision and the high artistic standards of the successful productions presented under her leadership, as well as the manner in which she steered the CTCB during the unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID pandemic.

Issued jointly by the Board and the former CEO of the CTCB
No further comments will be issued on this matter.

On behalf of the Board of Cape Town City Ballet, Chairperson, Suzette Raymond is delighted to introduce Robyn Taylor as the Company’s newly appointed Executive Manager. With over two decades of dedicated involvement in the professional dance sector, Robyn has made a profound impact. As a founding trustee of The South African National Dance Trust (SANDT) and a 15-year tenure as its director, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment.

Robyn’s extensive experience and expertise are invaluable assets that will greatly benefit the company as it approaches its 90th anniversary in 2024. We look forward to the dynamic contributions she will make in her role as Executive Manager.

Cape Town City Ballet is looking to appoint a qualified Artistic Director.

They should provide inspirational leadership for many and varied activities.

The ideal candidate should be a recognised and respected member of the ballet/dance world with an established reputation for quality productions as a Director, Choreographer, Dancer, or Producer in ballet and dance.

The new Artistic Director should have previous experience in commissioning, creating, producing, and or curating imaginative programs and extensive knowledge of current ballet and dance practices locally and internationally with a wide network of contacts.

Please view the full job description here

Cape Town City Ballet is delighted to be back on the whimsical and wooded splendour of the Maynardville Open-Air Festival stage.

SUMMERSNOW embraces the certainty of the seasons….. the stark contrast of summer to winter. The enchanting double bill features the pastoral fantasy of Mikhail Fokine’s LES SYLPHIDES and Sir Frederick Ashton’s charming twilight skating scene, LES PATINEURS.

SUMMERSNOW will be performed from 1 to 5 March at 20.15 nightly.

LES SYLPHIDES is the quintessential romantic reverie, where sylphs of imaginary spirits dance in the moonlight with the “poet” to the sublime music of Frederic Chopin.

LES PATINEURS (The Skaters) features a party of ice skaters on a frozen pond joyfully depicting Ashton’s virtuosic choreography of charming divertissements in a beautiful trellised setting. Delightful in its humour and lyrical adagio of the lead couple, as the “spills and thrills” of the Blue Boy and friends show masterfully the multiple pirouettes and leaps. As the snow starts to fall the skaters glide away.  

Review comments for Cape Town City Ballet’s production of LES PATINEURS include:  ‘a sublime romp on ice’ (Beverley Brommert) and ‘genius in action….mesmerising….[Les Patineurs] is very charming and clever (Siobhan Cassidy, calloffthesearch.com).

“Be transported to a place of magic and wonder under the stars at the wonderful Maynardville Amphitheatre,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “SUMMERSNOW is a ballet lover’s quintessential treat of two stellar works that whisk you into the world of pirouettes, technical prowess and exuberant, energizing dance!”

Jaco van Rensburg, co-owner of Maynardville Open-Air Theatre Festival’s new producers VR Theatrical says, “We are thrilled that the Cape Town City Ballet is back on stage with us at Maynardville. Our Festival is an expression of the magic that is Cape Town and the unique setting of Maynardville and the ballet really takes that magic to a new level. It’s a beautiful way to end the season.”

In partnership with the Open Air Collective, Maynardville is now offering patrons a picnic option when booking their tickets (add it on at the end) as well as a host of food trucks, bar and coffee station. Picnics are no longer permitted in the theatre area.

SUMMERSNOW will be performed from 1 to 5 March at 20.15 nightly.

Tickets cost from R190 to R300.

Bookings can be made at Quicket https://www.quicket.co.za/events/193259-maynardville-open-air-festival-2023/?ref=events-list#/

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.  

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lêusson Muniz will be replaced by Mathias Dingman, Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet. Mathias will join the Company on stage for three performances, dancing the role of the Prince at the performances on Saturday 4 February 2023 at 19h30, (accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra), Friday 10 February 2023 at 19h30 and Saturday 18 February 2023 at 19h30, with both of these performances danced to recorded music by CPO. 

He performs opposite Cape Town City Ballet’s Principal ballerina Kirstel Paterson as Cinderella. 

CINDERELLA runs from 4 to 19 February 2023 at Artscape in the Opera House. Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/cinderella/4438168

The CPO will also accompany the dancers of Cape Town City Ballet at a number of other performances.

“We are extremely grateful to Birmingham Royal Ballet for allowing us to bring Mathias to Cape Town at such short notice  to dance opposite our wonderful own Kirstel,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “We treasure our continued relationship with the Company, enabling us to celebrate our global ballet community and promote cross-country cultural exchange. We are delighted that Mathias returns to the role of The Prince to join us, as it was his first Principal role in a full-length ballet.”

“This production of Cinderella is brimming with magic: a delicious story where love prevails over all; international guests artists, our talented company, the magnificent CPO performing Prokofiev’s enchanting score, Veronica Paeper’s captivating choreography, sumptuous costumes and set by Peter Cazalet, lighting by the award-winning designer Wilhelm Disbergen and, perhaps the ultimate stars of the show, Mervyn Williams and Marcel Meyer as the delightfully despicable ugly sisters Violet and Daffodil!”

Mathias Dingman has been a Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet since 2015. He trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Washington DC. His numerous awards include the Gold medal, Varna International Ballet Competition, (2006); Gold medal, Youth American Grand Prix, (2006); Gold medal, Korea International Ballet Competition, (2005).

Mathias has created roles such as Sky in Juanjo Arqués’ Ignite; Ariel in David Bintley’s TheTempest and the solo male in Jessica Lang’s Lyric Pieces.

As a guest artist: in 2014 Mathias was invited by Tamaro Rojo to dance the role of the Prince in Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker with English National Ballet. In 2018 Mathias performed with Star Dancers Ballet in the annual NHK gala in Tokyo, Japan alongside Miayako Yoshida. Later that year, Iain Webb invited Mathias to perform with Sarasota Ballet where he danced the main role in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody.

Mathias’ extensive repertory includes: 

Carlos Acosta: Don Quixote (Basilio)
Frederick Ashton: The Dream (Puck) and La Fille mal gardée (Colas, Alain)
George Balanchine: Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (Gangster), Theme and Variations (Principal male) and Tchaikovsky pas de duex
David Bintley: The Prince of the Pagodas (Salamander Prince), Cinderella (Prince), Aladdin (Title role), Far from the Madding Crowd (Gabriel Oak), ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café (Brazilian Woolly Monkey), Cyrano (Cadet), Edward II (Fool), Carmina burana (Second Seminarian), Take Five (‘Flying Solo’), The Dance House, Sylvia (Magog), E=mc² (‘Celeritas²’), Faster, The Shakespeare Suite (Hamlet), The Tempest (Ariel), Beauty and the Beast (Beast)
David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s production of Giselle (Albrecht and ‘Peasant pas de deux‘)
Kim Brandstrup: Pulcinella
John Cranko: Card Game (Joker, Ten of Clubs, Three of Hearts), The Taming of the Shrew (Lucentio, Hortensio)
Mikhail Fokine: Petrushka (Stable Boy) and The Firebird
Oliver Hindle: The Four Seasons (‘Autumn’)
Kit Holder: Small Worlds and Quatrain
Jessica Lang: Lyric Pieces
Kenneth MacMillan: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Mercutio) and Concerto (First Movement)
Hans van Manen: 5 Tangos (Principal male), Grosse Fuge
Twyla Tharp: Nine Sinatra Songs (‘Forget Domani’) and In the Upper Room
Peter Wright’s productions of Coppélia (Franz), The Nutcracker (Prince), The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Florimund, Bluebird) and Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s production of Swan Lake (Prince Seigfried,Benno)

CINDERELLA is performed to music by Sergei Prokofiev, with libretto by the Brothers Grimm 1812.  

CINDERELLA  will be presented at Artscape in the Opera House from 4 to 19 February 2023.  

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/cinderella/4438168

Performances with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and International Guest Artists Vadim Muntagirov, Principal of The Royal Ballet and Tatiana Melnik, Principal of the Hungarian National Ballet

Saturday 11 February 2023 at 19h30
Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 19H30 (special Valentine’s Day performance)
Friday 17 February 2023 at 19h30

Performances with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra only:

Saturday 4 February 2023 at 15h00 (Hannah Ward & Quinton Jacobs as Cinderella and the Prince)
Saturday 4 February 2023 at 19h30 (Kirstel Paterson & International Guest Artist Mathias Dingman as Cinderella and the Prince)
Sunday 19 February 2023 @14h00 (Mia Coomber & Quinton Jacobs as Cinderella and the Prince)
Sunday 19 February 2023 at 18h00 (Chanté Daniels & Francisco Gomes as Cinderella and the Prince)

Performances to recorded music

Thursday 9 February @ 19h30 (Paige McElligott & Jordan Roelfze as Cinderella and the Prince)
Friday 10 February 2023 @ 19h30 (Kirstel Paterson & International Guest Artist Mathias Dingman as Cinderella and the Prince)
Saturday 11 February 2023 @ 15h00 (Chanté Daniels & Francisco Gomes as Cinderella and the Prince)
Wednesday 15 February 2023 @ 19h30 (Paige McElligott & Jordan Roelofze as Cinderella and the Prince)
Thursday 16 February 2023 @ 19h30 (Mia Coomber & Quinton Jacobs as Cinderella and the Prince)
Saturday 18 February 2023 @ 15h00 (Hannah Ward & Quinton Jacobs as Cinderella and the Prince)
Saturday 18 February 2023 @ 19h30 (Kirstel Paterson & International Guest Artist Mathias Dingman as Cinderella and the Prince)

TICKET PRICES FOR CINDERELLA – from R 175 to R750

• Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances with CTPO and Guest Artists
• Tickets cost from R200 – R495 for performances with CTPO
• Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for evening performances to recorded music
• Tickets cost from R175 to R300 for matinee performances to recorded music

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

The production is suitable for 5  years and over. Please note that NO CHILDREN under 5 years old will be permitted to enter the auditorium.

CASTING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN UNFORESEEABLE CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE CONTROL OF CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET. 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.

“This was a world premiere at the tip of Africa which was put together on our stage in 3 days – new music, Indian /African musicians collaborating showing audiences and the world the power of music to unite”, said Artscape CEO Marlene Le Roux.

Friends of Cape Town City Ballet announces award winners at glamorous event 

The winners of the annual Friends of Cape Town City Ballet awards were announced at a glamorous black tie event at Kelvin Grove on Monday evening (16 January).

Cape Town City Ballet dancers with Chairperson Suzette Raymond. Photo credit Miguel Pimenta

Sponsors, members of the Company, Friends of Cape Town City Ballet and luminaries from the ballet world attended the event, which was hosted by Suzette Raymond, Chairperson of both Cape Town City Ballet and Friends of Cape Town City Ballet. The evening celebrates the Company’s dancers and sponsors, and recognises excellence throughout the year.

Addressing the packed audience, Ms Raymond commented that all the company dancers achieved great heights last year, following a particularly challenging few years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The year culminated with 25,051 people attending The Nutcracker at Artscape in December.

“We salute the talent and commitment of all of our dancers, and we are immensely grateful for the investment of our sponsors, who make our productions and programmes possible,” she says.

Special tribute was made to Johaar Mosaval, who was in attendance at the event, receiving a standing ovation from the guests.

South African choreographer and ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper received the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to Classical Ballet in South Africa, and most particularly Cape Town City Ballet, which was sponsored by Zane Meyer, Managing Director of Louisvale.

A new award was included this year from The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, recognising outstanding contributions to the art of ballet. The prize is to train for two weeks with a Company in Europe.

The full list of 2022 winners is:

Best Female Artist 2022 (Kindly sponsored by Martin Hess):  Hannah Ward

Best Male Artist 2022 (Kindly sponsored by Joe Phelan):  Quinton Jacobs

Best Performance in a Leading Role for Giselle (Kindly sponsored by Edward Saunders):  Léane Theunissen.

Best Performance in a Supporting Role for Hilarion in the production of Giselle (Kindly sponsored by Ismail Mahomed): Jan Kotze

Les Patineurs: Best Female Performance as Leading Skater (Kindly sponsored by David Tan):
Kirstel Paterson

Les Patineurs:   Best Male Performance as Blue Boy (Kindly sponsored by David Tan):  Gabriel Ravenscroft

Polarity : Outstanding Female Performance (Kindly sponsored by Cornelia del Castillo Bazoberri): Kirstel Paterson

Polarity: Outstanding Female Performance: Gemma Trehearn

Romeo & Juliet : Outstanding Female Performance:  as Juliet:  Hannah Ward

Romeo & Juliet : Outstanding Male performance (Kindly sponsored by Rod Clayton and the late Hank Lith) : As Tybalt: Quinton Jacobs

Romeo & Juliet : Outstanding Male Performance as Mercutio (Kindly sponsored by Rod Clayton and the late Hank Lith): Gabriel Ravenscroft

The Nutcracker : Outstanding Female Lead Performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson

The Nutcracker : Outstanding Male Lead Performance as the Prince (kindly sponsored by Christian Marais): Lêusson Muniz

The Nutcracker : Outstanding Performance of the Queen of the Snow : Hannah Ward

The Nutcracker : Outstanding Performance in the Waltz of the Flowers:  Gemma Trehearn

Outstanding Overall Excellence in Multiple Roles (Kindly sponsored by Zohra Dawood): Mikayla Isaacs

Most Outstanding Classical Ballet performance of 2022 (Kindly sponsored by Camilla McDowell):  as Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis in the production of Giselle: Mia Coomber

Award from Sir Geoffrey Neiman and Brian van Rheede to Kirstel Paterson for the Most Outstanding Performance by a Dancer in a Ballet presented in 2022 by Cape Town City Ballet.

Special recognition for Outstanding Lighting Design for Cape Town City Ballet productions (Kindly sponsored by Patricia Fine): Wilhelm Disbergen

Special recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Classical Ballet in South Africa and most particularly Cape Town City Ballet (Kindly sponsored by Zane Meyer, Managing Director of Louisvale): Veronica Paeper

The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust investment in the Cape Town City Ballet professional development initiative was awarded to Quinton Jacobs for outstanding contributions to the art of ballet.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you also to Zane Meyer, Managing Director of Louisvale Wines for the delicious, award-winning MCC Rosé and selection of wines enjoyed at the event by our guests, as well as a thank you to Flower Walker from Petals who sponsored the two beautiful bouquets of flowers for Patricia Fine and Johaar Mosaval, the 40 long stemmed roses for all the dancers and all the decorations for the 22 tables.”

Friends of Cape Town City Ballet is grateful to the sponsors who help make the awards possible: Christian Marais; Martin Hess; David Lin; Camilla McDowell; Rod Clayton; the late Hank Lith; Zane Meyer and Louisvale Wines, Edward Saunders; Zohra Dawood, Patricia Fine, Brian van Rheede and Sir Geoffrey Neiman, Cornelia del Castillo Bazoberri, Joe Phelan, Ismail Mahomed and Flower Walker from Petals.

*Become a Friend of Cape Town City Ballet and receive exclusive benefits such as advanced mailing, discounted tickets, the chance to attend a dress rehearsal, experience the buzz of opening night and more!  Sign up here

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.  

INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS VADIM  MUNTAGIROV AND TATIANA MELNIK FOR CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET’S CINDERELLA 

International Guest Artists Vadim Muntagirov, Principal of The Royal Ballet, and Tatiana Melnik, Principal of the Hungarian National Ballet, will perform in Cape Town City Ballet’s spectacular production of Veronica Paeper’s CINDERELLA for three performances only, accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). 

They will perform on Saturday 11 February, Tuesday 14 February and Friday 17 February, with all performances starting at 19h30.  The pair last danced together on the Artscape stage in 2019 for Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Denise Schultze Godfrey’s Sleeping Beauty. 

CINDERELLA runs from 4 to 19 February 2023 at Artscape in the Opera House. Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/cinderella/4438168

 The CPO will also accompany the dancers of Cape Town City Ballet at a number of other performances.

 “We welcome back our esteemed international guests to perform the roles of Cinderella and Prince Charming in this classic magical tale alongside the talented dancers of Cape Town City Ballet,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “What better way to start 2023 than with an enchanting story where good always prevails over evil.”

“We are also delighted to announce our acclaimed South African guest artists Mervyn Williams and Marcel Meyer as the Ugly Step Sisters.  Audiences are in for a treat as they gleefully love and loathe these two charming characters,” says Turner.

Mervyn Williams has been making magic for an incredible 36 years at CTCB, both on and off the stage, first as a dancer and now as Head of Wardrobe as well as managing their Education, Skills Training and Enterprise Development programmes. He regularly performs as a Guest Artist with the Company, most recently in Romeo and Juliet. Marcel Meyer is a seasoned, multiple award-winning performer who has previously joined CTCB on stage in productions such as A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge and The Nutcracker.

The tour-de-force creative team unites for the production, with Choreography by Veronica Paeper, Costume and Décor Design by Peter Cazalet and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. CINDERELLA is performed to music by Sergei Prokoviev, with libretto by the Brothers Grimm 1812.  

CINDERELLA is the classic folk fairytale of the sweet-tempered Cinderella, a young woman with a heart of gold who is left in the care of her two ungainly, forgetful and generally disagreeable step-sisters, Violet and Daffodil, contributing to Cinderella’s woes.

Relegated to the role of a kitchen maid in her own home, she scrubs and cleans all day dressed in rags. The Prince who lives in the castle across town, decides to hold a magnificent ball in search of the perfect bride, and sends invitations out far and wide.  Cinderella is unable to attend the ball…. she has nothing to wear anyway!

Then magic happens…. Enter a Fairy Godmother and her miracle wand, Cinderella goes to the ball in a beautiful ballgown and a fantastical carriage. The twist in the story is that she must promise to return home by midnight when the carriage will turn back into a pumpkin. Dancing the night away in a whirl of glamour with the prince, the clock starts to strike midnight, and Cinderella flees home inadvertently leaving one of her crystal slippers behind.

The lost slipper is found and a nationwide search ensues for the golden girl to whom the slipper belongs. A gloriously happy ending emerges in which Cinderella and her Prince live happily ever after!

CINDERELLA  will be presented at Artscape in the Opera House from 4 to 19 February 2023.  

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/cinderella/4438168

Performances with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and International Guest Artists:

Saturday 11 February 2023 at 19h30
Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 19H30
Friday 17 February 2023 at 19h30

Performances with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra only:

Saturday 4 February 2023 at 15h00
Saturday 4 February 2023 at 19h30
Wednesday 8 February at 19h30
Sunday 19 February 2023 at 18h00

Performances to recorded music

Thursday 9 February @ 19h30
Friday 10 February 2023 @ 19h30
Saturday 11 February 2023 @ 15h00
Wednesday 15 February 2023 @ 19h30
Thursday 16 February 2023 @ 19h30
Saturday 18 February 2023 @ 15h00
Saturday 18 February 2023 @ 19h30

TICKET PRICES FOR CINDERELLA – from R 175 to R750

• Tickets cost from R350 to R750  for performances with CTPO and Guest Artists
• Tickets cost from R200 – R495  for performances with CTPO
• Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for evening performances to recorded music 
• Tickets cost from R175 to R300 for matinee performances to recorded music 

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket. 

The production is suitable for 5  years and over. Please note that NO CHILDREN under 5 years old will be permitted to enter the auditorium.

CASTING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN UNFORESEEABLE CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE CONTROL OF CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET. 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

The young stars for Cape Town City Ballet’s production of THE NUTCRACKER have been announced! 

What would the festive season be without this magical, enchanting Christmas tale of The Nutcracker Prince, Clara, her brother Fritz and the Mouse King! 

More than 300 children attended auditions, with a total of 120 gaining the opportunity to dance in the production. Forty children at each performance will delight audiences as they perform alongside the Company. 

Nationwide auditions were held for the roles of Clara and Fritz, with a final six girls selected to dance the role of Clara and four boys for the role of Fritz. 

Fun for all the family, THE NUTCRACKER is produced by ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper,  and will be presented for a limited season from 7 to 23 December at Artscape in the Opera House. 

Celebrating the 130^th anniversary of the premiere of this charming ballet story, the dynamic dancers of Cape Town City Ballet will be accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) under the baton of Brandon Phillips at select performances. 

“We were inspired by the level of talent and infectious enthusiasm of the children that auditioned,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “It was wonderful to take the search nationwide and provide the opportunity for young dancers from across the country to perform on the Artscape stage. The professionalism and commitment of these rising artists has also been impressive. It  is a pleasure to work with them. 

“The final performance on Friday 23 December is going to be particularly special, when old and young kids alike can enjoy the Children’s Parade after the show, take pictures with the characters on stage and receive a sweet treat. The perfect send-off into the festive season!”  

The dancers performing the role of Clara are: Gia Lipschitz, Maseroka Mothiba and Isabella Godinho who are all from Gauteng, as well as Victoria Toweel from Kwa-Zulu Natal and Kai Damon and Lila Numanoglu, who are both from the Western Cape.

Performing the role of Fritz are: Israel Neethling from Kwa-Zulu Natal and, from the Western Cape, Jannes Emmerich, Jayden Lewis and Thomas La Grange.

An updated cast list has also been released.

The revised full cast schedule is:

Wednesday 7 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Lila Numanoglu; Fritz: Jannes Emmerich

Thursday 8 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer: Axton Green; Clara: Isabella Godinho; Fritz: Jayden Lewis

Friday 9 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward; Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs;  Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Kai Damon; Fritz: Thomas La Grange 

Saturday 10 December at 15h00 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher; Clara: Gia Lipschitz; Fritz: Jannes Emmerich 

Saturday 10 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Maseroka Mothiba; Fritz: Jayden Lewis

Sunday 11 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher; Clara: Kai Damon; Fritz: Thomas La Grange

Sunday 11 December at 18h00 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer: Axton Green; Clara: Victoria Toweel; Fritz: Jannes Emmerich

Tuesday 13 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward; Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs; Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Gia Lipschitz; Fritz: Israel Neethling

Wednesday 14 December at 19h30  (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward; Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs; Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher; Clara: Maseroka Mothiba; Fritz: Jayden Lewis

Thursday 15 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Lila Numanoglu; Fritz: Jannes Emmerich

Friday 16 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Isabella Godinho; Fritz:Israel Neethling

Saturday 17 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer: Nicolas Laubscher; Clara: Victoria Toweel; Fritz: Jayden Lewis

Saturday 17 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward; Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs; Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer; Clara: Maseroka Mothiba; Fritz: Israel Neethling

Sunday 18 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Gia Lipschitz; Fritz: Thomas La Grange

Tuesday 20 December at 19h30  (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer: Nicolas Laubscher; Clara: Isabella Godinho; Fritz: Jayden Lewis

Wednesday 21 December at 19h30 – (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer: Axton Green; Clara: Victoria Toweel; Fritz: Jannes Emmerich

Thursday 22 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer: Marcel Meyer; Clara: Kai Damon; Fritz: Thomas La Grange

Friday 23 December at 15h00 (Children’s Parade – Take pictures with the characters on stage and receive a sweet treat!) (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward; Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs; Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer; Clara: Lila Numanoglu; Fritz: Israel Neethling 

CAST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 

For THE NUTCRACKER, Veronica Paeper once again teams up with her long-standing collaborator Peter Cazalet for Set and Costume Design, assisted by Set and Costume consultant Michael Mitchell. Acclaimed designer Wilhelm Disbergen  is responsible for Lighting Design.

Performed to enchanting music by  Tchaikovsky, with libretto by  Marius Petipa, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, choreography is by Pamela Chrimes and David Poole after Lev Ivanov.

THE NUTCRACKER  will be presented at Artscape in the Opera House from 7 to 23 December.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket https://tickets.computicket.com/event/the_nutcracker/6993526

TICKET PRICES FOR THE NUTCRACKER

• Tickets cost from R200 to R495 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for evening performances to recorded music.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R300 for matinee performances to recorded music. 

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

The production is suitable for 4 years and over.  

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

The full cast list has been announced for Cape Town City Ballet’s production of THE NUTCRACKER!

Fun for all the family, THE NUTCRACKER is produced by ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper,  and will be presented for a limited season from 7 to 23 December at Artscape in the Opera House. 

Celebrating the 130^th anniversary of the premiere of this charming ballet story, the dynamic dancers of Cape Town City Ballet will be accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) under the baton of Brandon Phillips at select performances. 

Experience this magical, uplifting tale of The Nutcracker Prince and Christmas narrative of Clara, her brother Fritz, the handsome Nutcracker Prince, and the Mouse King! 

The full cast schedule is:

Wednesday 7 and Saturday 10 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer 

Thursday 8 December at 19h30 and Sunday 11 December at 18h00 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer:  Axton Green 

Friday 9 and Tuesday 13 December at 19h30 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward;   Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs;  Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer 

Saturday 10 December at 15h00 (accompanied by CPO)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Gabriel Ravenscroft; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher 

Sunday 11 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Gabriel Ravenscroft; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher 

Wednesday 14 and Tuesday 20 December at 19h30  (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Gabriel Ravenscroft; Queen of the Snow: Mia Coomber; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher 

Thursday 15 and Thursday 22 December at 19h30 and Sunday 18 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Kirstel Paterson ; Nutcracker Prince: Lêusson Muniz; Queen of the Snow: Hannah Ward; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer

Friday 16 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy Léane Theunissen; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer 

Saturday 17 December at 15h00 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Chanté Daniels; Nutcracker Prince: Gabriel Ravenscroft; Queen of the Snow: Mikayla Isaacs; Drosselmeyer:  Nicolas Laubscher 

Saturday 17 December at 19h30 (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward   Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs;  Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer 

Wednesday 21 December at 19h30 – (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy Léane Theunissen:; Nutcracker Prince: Kyle Baird; Queen of the Snow: Kirstel Paterson; Drosselmeyer:  Axton Green

Friday 23 December at 15h00 (Children’s Parade – Take pictures with the characters on stage and receive a sweet treat!) (to recorded music)

Sugar Plum Fairy: Hannah Ward   Nutcracker Prince: Quinton Jacobs;  Queen of the Snow: Léane Theunissen:; Drosselmeyer:  Marcel Meyer 

CAST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 

For THE NUTCRACKER, Veronica Paeper once again teams up with her long-standing collaborator Peter Cazalet for Set and Costume Design, assisted by Set and Costume consultant Michael Mitchell. Acclaimed designer Wilhelm Disbergen  is responsible for Lighting Design. 

Performed to enchanting music by  Tchaikovsky, with libretto by  Marius Petipa, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, choreography is by Pamela Chrimes and David Poole after Lev Ivanov. 

THE NUTCRACKER  will be presented at Artscape in the Opera House from 7 to 23 December. 

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket https://tickets.computicket.com/event/the_nutcracker/6993526

TICKET PRICES FOR THE NUTCRACKER

• Tickets cost from R200 to R495 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for evening performances to recorded music.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R300 for matinee performances to recorded music 

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

The production is suitable for 4 years and over.

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

Cape Town City Ballet heralds start of summer programme with festive season favourite THE NUTCRACKER 

Cape Town City Ballet heralds the start of its bumper summer programme with captivating festive season favourite THE NUTCRACKER.

Fun for all the family, THE NUTCRACKER is produced by ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper,  and will be presented for a limited season from 7 to 23 December at Artscape in the Opera House. 

Celebrating the 130^th anniversary of the premiere of this charming ballet story, the dynamic dancers of Cape Town City Ballet will be accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Brandon Phillips at select performances. Following nationwide auditions, forty children at each show have the chance to delight audiences as they perform alongside the Company. 

Experience this magical, uplifting tale of The Nutcracker Prince and Christmas narrative of Clara, her brother Fritz, the handsome Nutcracker Prince, and the Mouse King!

Bookings will also soon be open for Cape Town City Ballet’s CINDERELLA, which runs at Artscape from 4 to 19 February.  “Patrons can now plan their summer season entertainment well in advance and book for both shows at the same time,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet.

For THE NUTCRACKER, Veronica Paeper once again teams up with her long-standing collaborator Peter Cazalet for Set and Costume Design, assisted by Set and Costume consultant Michael Mitchell. Acclaimed designer Wilhelm Disbergen  is responsible for Lighting Design. 

Performed to enchanting music by  Tchaikovsky, with libretto by  Marius Petipa, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, choreography is by Pamela Chrimes and David Poole after Lev Ivanov. 

“What better way to round off the year with a sumptuous feast of ballet and entertainment in our production of perennial favourite, The Nutcracker,” says Turner. 

“We encourage patrons to have fun, dress up and use every performance as an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season spirit. At our closing performance on 23 December, young audience members can enjoy the Children’s Parade, take pictures with the characters on stage and receive a sweet treat!” 

THE NUTCRACKER is set on Christmas Eve at a celebratory gathering of family, friends and children, as an enigmatic story unfolds. 

The children receive their special gifts, and Clara is beguiled by her very unusual nutcracker doll. She falls asleep holding her new friend, and dreams that she saves the doll’s life in a “fierce” battle against The Mouse King.  Just like that…. the doll magically transforms into a handsome prince, who whisks Clara away to the Kingdom of the Sweets through the Land of Snow.  The enigmatic Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes Clara and the Prince to her land as special guests and treats them to a spectacular display of the world’s most wonderful delectable indulgences in the captivating Kingdom of the Treats!

THE NUTCRACKER  will be presented at Artscape in the Opera House from 7 to 23 December. 

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket https://tickets.computicket.com/event/the_nutcracker/6993526

Performances accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra:

Wednesday 7 December at 19h30
Thursday 8 December at 19h30
Friday 9 December at 19h30
Saturday 10 December at 15h00
Saturday 10 December at 19h30
Sunday 11 December at 18h00
Tuesday 13 December at 19h30

Performances to recorded music:
Sunday 11 December at 15h00
Wednesday 14 December at 19h30
Thursday 15 December at 19h30
Friday 16 December at 19h30
Saturday 17 December at 15h00
Saturday 17 December at 19h30
Sunday 18 December at 15h00
Tuesday 20 December at 19h30
Wednesday 21 December at 19h30
Thursday 22 December at 19h30
Friday 23 December at 15h00 (Children’s Parade – Take pictures with the characters on stage and receive a sweet treat!)

TICKET PRICES FOR THE NUTCRACKER 

• Tickets cost from R200 to R495 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for evening performances to recorded music.
• Tickets cost from R175 to R300 for matinee performances to recorded music.

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only at R30 discount per ticket. 

The production is suitable for 4 years and over.

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

The State Theatre presents in collaboration with Cape Town City Ballet, a double bill, showcasing George Balanchine’s “Serenade” and Mthuthuzeli November’s Olivier Award-winning “Ingoma”.

Two individual dance works of distinctive genres uniting in one production, showcasing the multiplicity of global dance language. 

23 September to 25 September  

State Theatre, Pretoria 

Tickets cost R130.

Bookings can be made at Webtickets 

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1517362301

INGOMA is a compelling fusion of ballet, African dance and song, engaging in a universal theme about being human and being true to yourself. Inspired by the artwork of Gerard Sekoto, most particularly the Song of the Pick and his Blue Head, it explores the milestone Witwatersrand miners’ strike of 1946,  imagining the struggles of black miners and their loved ones as thousands of miners bravely embarked on strike action for better wages. 

Design is by internationally acclaimed, London based designer Yann Seabra. South African Peter Johnson composed the music for the production, marking his third collaboration with November after Cape Dance Company’s Visceral and Sun. Asisipho Malunga completes the creative team as dramaturge and vocalist. 

Set to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48. with four movements; Sonatina, Waltz, Russian Dance and Elegy, neo-classical George Balanchine’s SERENADE is one of Balanchine’s most beautiful ballets and a milestone in the history of dance as the first original ballet he created in America. It remains a signature work of the New York City Ballet’s repertory and will be staged for CTCB by Rebecca Metzger. 

Review comments for INGOMA 

“a powerful piece….November naturally blends ballet, on pointe, with earthier African idiom. Four stars” The Guardian 

“…brilliant…energetic, visceral, engaging, amazing” Pippa Hudson, Cape Talk 

“…beautiful fusion of ballet and African song and dance….. a pair of lovers dancing love’s intimate dance has us catching our breath with excitement and then with heartache…brave, new and pure….raw, thrilling and relevant” Siobhan Cassidy, Calloffthesearch.com – https://calloffthesearch.com/art-entertainment/ballet-like-history-is-in-new-hands

“one is overcome with the artistry, magnitude and sense of moment – of witnessing and experiencing dance which – is beyond expectation…hypnotic to watch…..takes my breath away….exquisite” Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn 

“…captivating…. a true tour-de-force on stage…. an accomplishment for Cape Town City Ballet in 2021 that will not easily be forgotten” Lindsay Kruger, Broadway World  

Review comments for SERENADE

“George Balanchine’s Serenade is a lyrical patterning of perfectly groomed dancers in silvery blue and the visual impact takes your breath away…. It is arguably the highlight of the evening.” Debbie Hathway, Bizcommunity.com https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/477/192367.html

“Keeps its audience in thrall‘ Beverley Brommert – Weekend Special https://weekendspecial.co.za/amaranth-review-cape-town-city-ballet

“Balanchine’s “Serenade” was exquisite” Marina Griebenow

Western Cape born, Siphe November, South African ballet dancer, who at 23 already has a soaring international career, returns to South Africa to perform in Cape Town City Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet for one performance only.

This will be the first time that November, Principal Artist of the National Ballet of Canada, has performed on a South African stage since he left South Africa aged 11. 

South African audiences will have the rare opportunity to witness the breath-taking and enigmatic skill of this unique dancer, when he joins Cape Town City Ballet on stage at Artscape Opera House for the performance on Thursday 25 August at 19h30, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Brandon Phillips. 

November returns to play the role of Romeo in Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Veronica Paeper’s Romeo and Juliet with Cape Town City Ballet’s Chanté Daniels as his Juliet.   

The performance by Siphesihle November has been made possible thanks to the generous investment of The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust. 

“This is a milestone and pivotal moment in the landscape of South African ballet,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “We are honoured to welcome Siphe home to make his debut as Romeo, and partnering Cape Town City Ballet’s very own Chanté Daniels in her debut as Juliet in Veronica Paeper’s enchanting choreography. With our wonderful Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the performance under the baton of conductor Brandon Phillips, this will be a unique and memorable evening celebrating outstanding South African artists. 

“Siphe’s rare talent, combined with his unwavering dedication to pursuing excellence in his art-form, has seen the meteoric rise of his thus far, illustrious career. He is, quintessentially, a role model for young aspiring South African artists studying dance and classical ballet. We are delighted he is coming home to South Africa to share his gift with us, performing for the very first time ever on a South African stage, for one performance only.” says Turner. 

When November made his debut as The Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty, Dance Magazine wrote:   “With his debut as Bluebird in Rudolf Nureyev’s production of The Sleeping Beauty last spring, National Ballet of Canada corps member Siphesihle November quickly established himself as the rightful heir to one of the most challenging male parts in the classical repertoire.”

Siphesihle November was born in rural Zolani in the Western Cape, and serendipitously was accepted into Canada’s National Ballet School aged 11. He joined The National Ballet of Canada as a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2017 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2021.

November recently made his NBC debut as Siegfried in Swan Lake with Maria Kochetkova as his Odette/Odile. He has danced roles such as Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet,  Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty, Lewis Carroll/White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Puck in The Dream; and in such ballets as The Nutcracker, Giselle, The Winter’s Tale, Nijinsky, Anna Karenina, The Four Seasons, The Vertiginous Thrill of  Exactitude, Chroma, Emergence, Angels’ Atlas, Chaconne, Etudes, Being and Nothingness, Paz de la Jolla, Night, The Dreamers Ever Leave You and Orpheus Alive. 

Earlier this year, he choreographed his first work for the National Ballet of Canada’s main stage, On Solid Ground. 

In 2019, Siphesihle won The International Competition for The Erik Bruhn Prize.

Siphesihle was featured in a documentary, Beyond Moving, which follows his journey from Zolani, South Africa, to Canada’s National Ballet School and The National Ballet of Canada. 

Following her acclaimed recent productions of Carmen and A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge, Veronica Paeper returns to stage ROMEO AND JULIET for CTCB. Performed to Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic score, William Shakespeare’s quintessential boy-meets-girl tale, follows the life course of  the ill-fated, star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. 

Set in the beautiful Italian city of Verona, the ballet explores the tapestry of life, from the bud of youth, the blooming of adulthood, hidden forbidden love, a suffocating family feud, visceral hatred and inevitable tragic destiny. 

The dream creative team is completed with Décor and Costume Design by Peter Cazalet and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. 

Veronica Paeper’s ROMEO AND JULIET runs at Artscape from 4 to 28 August as part of Cape Town Coty Ballet’s Winter Season. The programme also includes an invigorating new triple bill IKIGAI, featuring ballets by three generations of award-winning choreographers: Jiří Kylián’s FALLING ANGELS, Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS and Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY, in collaboration with the artists of CTCB. IKIGAI will be presented from 17 to 28 August. 

ROMEO AND JULIET will be presented at Artscape from 4 to 28 August.  

IKIGAI will be presented at Artscape from 17 to 28 August. 

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket. 

TICKET PRICES ROMEO AND JULIET : FROM  R175 – R750.00

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R300 to R500 for performances featuring CTCB Artists accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for evening performances to recorded music.

* Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.

TICKET PRICES IKIGAI: FROM  R175 – R475

* Tickets cost from R175 to R475 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

* Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for performances to recorded music.

* Pensioners tickets for specific performances can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R30 discount per ticket.

* Block bookings (ten or more) – R30.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

Internationally acclaimed ballet conductor Jonathan Lo will join Cape Town City Ballet for their Winter Season, to conduct the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at select performances. 

The season runs at Artscape from 4 to 28 August. The programme includes Veronica Paeper’s ROMEO AND JULIET alongside an invigorating new triple bill IKIGAI, featuring ballets by three generations of award-winning choreographers: Jiří Kylián’s FALLING ANGELS, Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS and Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY, in collaboration with the artists of CTCB. 

Mr Lo will conduct the CPO at the performances of ROMEO AND JULIET on 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 13 August at 19h30. For IKIGAI, the CPO will be under his baton for the performance on 17 August at 19h30. 

Hailed by Dance Europe as ‘without doubt, the greatest ballet conductor we have in the UK’,  Hong Kong-born Briton Jonathan Lo is Music Director of Northern Ballet, Staff Conductor for the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and Principal Conductor of the New Bristol Sinfonia. He was Principal Guest Conductor of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra from 2015-2019. He was a member of the Jette Parker Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House and a conducting fellow with Birmingham Royal Ballet, for whom he is a regular guest conductor. 

Increasingly sought after by ballet companies around the world, Mr Lo’s past and future engagements include work with companies such as Dutch National Ballet, The Australia Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and Rambert Dance Company. His broad repertoire ranges from the contemporary to the classics such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Giselle, La Fille mal Gardee and Cinderella. He has given numerous world premieres of ballets by distinguished choreographers such as Cathy Marston, Kyle Abraham and Goyo Montero, and has collaborated with some of the world’s leading choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, David Bentley, Hans van Manen and Crystal Pite. Mr Lo’s work has been broadcast both live and recorded for cinemas around the world, on BBC television, SkyArts, and on DVD for OpusArte.  

Born in 1987, Jonathan Lo read music at the University of Oxford, before going on to study conducting at Royal Northern College of Music on a major scholarship. He was appointed to his first music directorship aged 18 with the Oxford University Philharmonia after winning the University’s conducting competition. Since then, Mr Lo has conducted orchestras internationally and nationally, most notably the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, London Sinfonietta, Manchester Camerata, Northern Chamber Orchestra & Gabrieli Consort. 

“Jonathan Lo is undoubtedly one of the world’s leading ballet conductors and we are honoured to be welcoming him for our Winter Season,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. 

“We have also now announced the full cast schedule, so patrons can be sure to book to enjoy our international guests, as well as a selection of our most gifted South African dancers. The inter-cultural collaboration of artists from multiple countries broadens everyone’s horizons, and promotes and augments the concept of classical ballet as a global artform.” 

International Guest Artists Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, both Principals of The Royal Ballet, perform the roles of Romeo and Juliet at select performances. 

Brandon Lawrence Principal of Birmingham Royal Ballet will also perform the role of Romeo on select dates with Cape Town City Ballet’s Hannah Ward making her debut in a principal role. Lawrence will also dance the principal male in the featured pas de deux in Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS, which forms part of the triple bill IKIGAI. 

Another exciting addition sees Cape Town City Ballet welcoming Tzu-Chao Chou, Principal of Birmingham Royal Ballet to the Cape Town stage for the first time. He will perform the role of The Blue Boy in LES PATINEURS at selected performances of IKIGAI. 

The full cast schedule  is as follows: 

ROMEO AND JULIET

5, 8, 10 and 13 August @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artists Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, Principals of The Royal Ballet as Romeo and Juliet and the CPO under the baton of Guest Conductor Jonathan Lo) 

4 and 9 August @ 19h30: (With Lêusson Muniz and Kirstél Paterson as Romeo and Juliet and the CPO under the baton of Guest Conductor Jonathan Lo)

6 August @ 15h00: (With Gabriel Ravenscroft and Mia Labuschagne-Coomber as Romeo and Juliet to recorded music) 

6, 11 and 12 August @ 19h30: (With Lêusson Muniz and Kirstél Paterson as Romeo and Juliet to recorded music) 

14 August @ 18h00: (With Lêusson Muniz and Kirstél Paterson as Romeo and Juliet to recorded music) 

20 August @ 15h00: (With International Guest Artist Brandon Lawrence and Hannah Ward as Romeo and Juliet to recorded music) 

23 August  @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artist Brandon Lawrence and Hannah Ward as Romeo and Juliet with CPO under the baton of  Brandon Phillips) 

25 August  @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artist and Chanté Daniels as Romeo and Juliet with CPO under the baton of  Brandon Phillips) 

27 August @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artist Brandon Lawrence and Hannah Ward as Romeo and Juliet to recorded music) 

28 August @ 18h00: (With International Guest Artist Brandon Lawrence and Hannah Ward as Romeo and Juliet with CPO under the baton of  Brandon Phillips) 

IKIGAI

17 August @19h30 (With CPO under the baton of Guest Conductor Jonathan Lo and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Tzu-Chao Chou

18  August @ 19h30 (To recorded music and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Gabriel Ravenscroft)

20, 24 and 26 August @19h30 (To recorded music and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Tzu-Chao Chou)

25 August @15h00: (To recorded music and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Gabriel Ravenscroft)

27 August @ 15h00 (To recorded music and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Gabriel Ravenscroft)

28 August @14h00:  (With CPO under the baton of  Brandon Phillips and the role of Blue Boy in Les Patineurs performed by Tzu-Chao Chou 

Following her acclaimed recent productions of Carmen and A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge, Veronica Paeper returns to stage ROMEO AND JULIET for CTCB. Performed to Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic score, William Shakespeare’s quintessential boy-meets-girl tale, follows the life course of  the ill-fated, star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. 

Set in the beautiful Italian city of Verona, the ballet explores the tapestry of life, from the bud of youth, the blooming of adulthood, hidden forbidden love, a suffocating family feud, visceral hatred and inevitable tragic destiny. 

The dream creative team is completed with Décor and Costume Design by Peter Cazalet and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. 

IKIGAI is an invigorating triple bill inspired by the Japanese philosophy of life purpose, life happiness and life peace. Suitably depicted in those ideas are ballets by three generations of award-winning choreographers: Jiří Kylián’s FALLING ANGELS, Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS and Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY, in collaboration with the artists of CTCB. IKIGAI will be presented from 17 to 28 August. 

FALLING ANGELS is one of Jiří Kylián’s mesmerising masterworks for eight women, bristling with the power of the female persona. Set to an hypnotic Steve Reich score and inspired by the percussive musical rituals of West Africa,  FALLING ANGELS is scintillating in its complexity and richness of movement. 

Staged in 2021 on CTCB by Elke Schepers, press comments included: “mesmerising…this was rhythmic, fluid, contemporary dance of the type that takes you to another place” (Calloffthesearch.com); “Falling Angels is a gripping piece, overflowing with exuberance, yet exquisitely structured and danced…(Times Live) and “Falling Angels, was nothing like I had seen before ….. a feat of concentration, synchronization, and athleticism” (Broadway World) 

Costume Design is by Joke Visser with Lighting Design by Jiří Kylián (concept) and Joop Caboort (realization). 

Choreographed by iconic British choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton and performed to music composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer, LES PATINEURS (The Skaters) features a party of ice skaters on a frozen pond joyfully depicting Ashton’s virtuosic choreography of charming divertissements in a beautiful trellised setting. Delightful in its humour, lyrical adagio of the lead couple, as the “spills and thrills” of the Blue Boy and friends show masterfully the multiple pirouettes and leaps. As the snow starts to fall the skaters glide away. 

LES PATINEURS is staged on CTCB by Isabel McMeekan, who has performed around the world with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She is currently participating in the Frederick Ashton Foundation’s shadowing scheme set up to train the Ashton repetiteurs of the future. Décor and Costume Design is by William Chappell with Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. 

Award-winning, Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY is inspired by the suggestion that opposites are interconnected and everything is duel, a Yin and a Yang where harmony and balance emerges and where the outcome can only be peace. Tindall, who is Resident Choreographer and Director of Digital for Northern Ballet, created POLARITY  for Cape Town City Ballet in 2019, and excitingly returns to stage this new, extended version. 

Costume Design is by Kenneth Tindall and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. 

Press comments about POLARITY include: “Polarity keeps the temperature in the room on high as it pushes the dancers to the edge physically and artistically” (Calloffthesearch.com), “a display of interconnection and dualism” (Broadway World) and, “a striking ballet” (The Cape Robyn) 

ROMEO AND JULIET will be presented at Artscape from 4 to 28 August.  

IKIGAI will be presented at Artscape from 17 to 28 August. 

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket. 

TICKET PRICES ROMEO AND JULIET : FROM  R175 – R750.00 

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R300 to R500 for performances featuring CTCB Artists accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for evening performances to recorded music.

* Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295. 

TICKET PRICES IKIGAI: FROM  R175 – R475

* Tickets cost from R175 to R475 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

* Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for performances to recorded music.

* Pensioners tickets for specific performances can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R30 discount per ticket.

* Block bookings (ten or more) – R30.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

ARRAY OF  STARS WITH INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET’S WINTER SEASON 

The International Guest Artists have been announced for Cape Town City Ballet’s Winter Season. 

Ballet lovers are in for a rare treat with the opportunity to see four International Guest Artists perform as part of Cape Town City Ballet’s Winter Season, which runs at Artscape from 4 to 28 August. 

The season line-up includes ROMEO AND JULIET based on William Shakespeare’s classic, tragic love story and choreographed by South African ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper, alongside an invigorating new triple bill IKIGAI inspired by the Japanese concept of Purpose, Happiness and Peace. 

Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, both Principals of The Royal Ballet, dance the roles of Romeo and Juliet at the performances on 5, 8, 10 and 13 August at 19h30, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Brandon Lawrence, Principal of Birmingham Royal Ballet excitingly returns to join the Company at select performances in the role of Romeo. Lawrence was seen on stage at Artscape earlier this year as Albrecht in Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Maina Gielgud’s Giselle. 

As an additional delight for audiences,  Lawrence will dance the principal male in the featured pas de deux in Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS, which forms part of the triple bill IKIGAI. He will perform on 17 August at 19h30 and 28 August at 14h00, with these performances also accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to three other dates. 

“To complete our incredible line up of international guest artists, we are proud to be welcoming Tzu-Chao Chou, Principal Dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet, to our Cape Town stage for the first time,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. 

Chou will perform the role of The Blue Boy in LES PATINEURS at selected performances of IKIGAI.

 “We celebrate the renaissance of the performing arts, being able to play to capacity houses and the opening of international travel,  with this stellar line-up of international guests performing alongside the talented dancers of Cape Town City Ballet and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. May the arts continue to flourish after these challenging times.

 “We are happy to be offering audiences a diverse programme with our winter season, and the chance to witness the breath-taking performances by our international guests.” 

Vadim Muntagirov trained at Perm Ballet School before moving to The Royal Ballet Upper School. He joined the Company from English National Ballet as a Principal in March 2014. His numerous roles with The Royal Ballet have included Basilio (Don Quixote), Albrecht (Giselle), Prince Siegfried (Swan Lake), Aminta (Sylvia), Prince Florimund (The Sleeping Beauty) and Prince (The Nutcracker). Mr Muntagirov’s many awards include the 2013 and 2018 Benois de la danse and the 2021 Dance Europe Outstanding Dancer Award. As a guest artist he has danced with companies including Paris Opera Ballet, Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre, at National Ballet of Japan, Bavarian State Ballet, Mikhailovsky and Cape Town City Ballet. 

Japanese dancer Fumi Kaneko joined The Royal Ballet during the 2010/11 Season and was promoted to First Artist in 2012, Soloist in 2013, First Soloist in 2018, and Principal, 2021. Ms Kaneko trained at the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet School, Osaka. She won gold medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition, 2008, and silver medals at the Moscow International Ballet Competition, 2009, and the USA International Ballet Competition, 2010. That year she joined the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet Company, where her roles included Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy (The Nutcracker) and Kitri (Don Quixote).

Ms Kaneko’s repertory with The Royal Ballet includes Odette and Odile (Swan Lake), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Kitri, Kitri’s Friend and Queen of the Dryads (Don Quixote), Sugar Plum Fairy (The Nutcracker), Princess Aurora and Lilac Fairy (The Sleeping Beauty), Gypsy Girl (The Two Pigeons), Myrtha (Giselle), pas d’action (Prince of the Pagodas), Mitzi Caspar (Mayerling), Hermione (The Winter’s Tale), Polyhymnia (Apollo), third moment Concerto, The Four Temperaments, Sweet Violets, Limen, Infra, ‘Diana and Actaeon’ (Metamorphosis: Titian 2012), Woolf Works, Asphodel Meadows, Symphony in C, Medusa, Dances at a Gathering, Within the Golden Hour, After the Rain and In Our Wishes. She created roles including The Dante Project. 

Brandon Lawrence attended the Royal Ballet School where he graduated to join Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2011. He reached the rank of Principal Dancer in 2019. Mr Lawrence has danced many of the classics including Swan Lake (Prince Seigfreid), The Nutcracker(Prince), Sleeping Beauty (Prince Florimund), Giselle (Count Albrecht), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), La Fille mal Gardée (Colas), Beauty and the Beast (Beast) and Don Quixote (Basilio, Espada). He has also danced many notable roles including Southern Cape Zebra from Sir David Bintley’s ‘Still Life at the Penguin Cafe’ Friday Night and Bethena Waltz in Macmillan’s ‘Elite Syncopations’ Twyla Tharp’s ‘In the Upper Room’ Lucentio in Cranko’s ’Taming of the Shrew’ Othello in Limón’s ‘The Moors Pavane’ and the 3rd Seminarian in David Bintley’s ‘Carmina Burana’.  While dancing the varied and diverse repertoire at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Brandon has created roles in Sir David Bintley’s ‘King Dances’ Alexander Whitley’s ‘Kin.’ George Williamson’s ‘Embrace’ Juanjo Arques’s ‘Ignite’ Didy Veldman’s ’Sense of Time’ and most recent Miguel Altunaga ‘City of a thousand trades’ and Juliano Nunes ‘Interlinked’ as well as being nominated for two National Dance Awards in the ‘Best Classical Male Performance Category’ for Ruth Brill’s Arcadia (Pan) and Jessica Lang’s (Wink). 

Born in Yi-Lan, Taiwan, Tzu-Chao Chou trained at the Australian Ballet School before joining the Australian Ballet in 2005. While in Australia, Mr Chou danced various ballets by choreographers such as Bournonville, Duato, McGregor, Robbins and Franz in Peggy Van Praggh’s Coppelia as well as Le Spectre de la rose with English National ballet as a Principal guest artist at Fall for Dance Festival, NYC.

Mr Chou is currently a Principal Dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet where he’s danced many roles including Ashton’s The Dream (Puck), La Fille mal Gardée (Colas, Alain), A month in a Country (Kolia), Symphonic Variations and Les Rendezvous. Bintley’s Aladdin (Aladdin, Djinn), Beauty and the Beast (Raven), Giselle (Harvest pas de deux) and Still life at the penguin cafe (Texas Kangaroo rat). Macmillan’s Concerto (First movement), Elite Syncopations (Alaskan Rag) and Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio). Wrights The Nutcracker (Prince) and Coppelia (Franz). Nebrada’s Our Waltzes (Orange Couple) and Panov’s Liebestod. Acosta’s Don Quixote (Basilio, Amour).

Over the years he  has created roles in Bintley’s The Tempest (Pan), Jessica Lang’s ‘Lyric Pieces and Wink’ Alexander Whitleys ‘Kin.’ Juanjo Arques ‘Ignite’ Jack Listers ‘A Brief Nostalgia’ and most recently Juliano Nunes ‘Interlinked’ and the role of Amour in Acosta’s ‘Don Quixote’.

Following her acclaimed recent productions of Carmen and A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge, Veronica Paeper returns to stage ROMEO AND JULIET for CTCB. Performed to Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic score, William Shakespeare’s quintessential boy-meets-girl tale, follows the life course of  the ill-fated, star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The dream creative team is completed with Décor and Costume Design by Peter Cazalet and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen. 

IKIGAI is an invigorating triple bill inspired by the Japanese philosophy of life purpose, life happiness and life peace. Suitably depicted in those ideas are ballets by three generations of award-winning choreographers: Jiří Kylián’s FALLING ANGELS, Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS and Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY, in collaboration with the artists of CTCB. 

ROMEO AND JULIET will be presented at Artscape from 4 to 28 August.  

IKIGAI will be presented at Artscape from 17 to 28 August. 

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket. 

Performance dates are: 

ROMEO AND JULIET

5, 8, 10 and 13 August @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artist & CPO)

4, 9, 23 and 25 August  @ 19h30: (With CPO)

28 August @ 18h00: (With CPO)

6 and 20 August @ 15h00: (To recorded music)

14 August @ 18h00: (To recorded music)

6, 11, 12, 27 August @ 19h30: (To recorded music)

 IKIGAI

17 August @19h30 and 28 August @14h00:  (With CPO)

25 August @15h00: (To recorded music)

18, 20, 24 and 26 August @ 19h30 (To recorded music)

27 August @ 15h00 (To recorded music)

 TICKET PRICES ROMEO AND JULIET : FROM  R175 – R750.00

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R300 to R500 for performances featuring CTCB Artists accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for evening performances to recorded music.

* Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.

TICKET PRICES IKIGAI: FROM  R175 – R475

* Tickets cost from R175 to R475 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

* Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for performances to recorded music. 

*Pensioners tickets for specific performances can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) – R30.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

BOOKINGS OPEN FOR CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET’S EXHILARATING WINTER SEASON AT ARTSCAPE

Bookings are open for Cape Town City Ballet’s exhilarating winter season, which runs from 4 to 28 August at Artscape in the Opera House. 

The programme features a thrilling line up of ROMEO AND JULIET based on William Shakespeare’s classic, tragic love story and choreographed by South African ballet doyenne Veronica Paeper, alongside an invigorating new triple bill IKIGAI inspired by the Japanese concept of Purpose, Happiness and Peace.

Select performances will star international guest artists, to be announced, and be accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Seating remains limited due to social distancing and government regulations. All Covid-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing of masks throughout.

Following her acclaimed recent productions of Carmen and A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge, Veronica Paeper returns to stage ROMEO AND JULIET for CTCB. Performed to Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic score, William Shakespeare’s quintessential boy-meets-girl tale, follows the life course of  the ill-fated, star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

Set in the beautiful Italian city of Verona, the ballet explores the tapestry of life, from the bud of youth, the blooming of adulthood, hidden forbidden love, a suffocating family feud, visceral hatred and inevitable tragic destiny.

The dream creative team is completed with Décor and Costume Design by Peter Cazalet and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

KIGAI is an invigorating triple bill inspired by the Japanese philosophy of life purpose, life happiness and life peace. Suitably depicted in those ideas are ballets by three generations of award-winning choreographers: Jiří Kylián’s FALLING ANGELS, Sir Frederick Ashton’s LES PATINEURS and Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY, in collaboration with the artists of CTCB. IKIGAI will be presented from 17 to 28 August.

FALLING ANGELS is one of Jiří Kylián’s mesmerising masterworks for eight women, bristling with the power of the female persona. Set to an hypnotic Steve Reich score and inspired by the percussive musical rituals of West Africa,  FALLING ANGELS is scintillating in its complexity and richness of movement.

Staged in 2021 on CTCB by Elke Schepers, press comments included:

“mesmerising…this was rhythmic, fluid, contemporary dance of the type that takes you to another place” (Calloffthesearch.com)

“Falling Angels is a gripping piece, overflowing with exuberance, yet exquisitely structured and danced…[it]  is so picturesque (almost any moment could be frozen in time to render a gorgeous photograph), it opens itself up to many different interpretations, some light, some dark” (Times Live)

“Falling Angels, was nothing like I had seen before ….. a feat of concentration, synchronization, and athleticism”(Broadway World)

Costume Design is by Joke Visser with Lighting Design by Jiří Kylián (concept) and Joop Caboort (realization).

Choreographed by iconic British choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton and performed to music composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer, LES PATINEURS (The Skaters) features a party of ice skaters on a frozen pond joyfully depicting Ashton’s virtuosic choreography of charming divertissements in a beautiful trellised setting. Delightful in its humour, lyrical adagio of the lead couple, as the “spills and thrills” of the Blue Boy and friends show masterfully the multiple pirouettes and leaps. As the snow starts to fall the skaters glide away. 

LES PATINEURS is staged on CTCB by Isabel McMeekan, who has performed around the world with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She is currently participating in the Frederick Ashton Foundation’s shadowing scheme set up to train the Ashton repetiteurs of the future.

Décor and Costume Design is by William Chappell with Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.  

Award-winning, Kenneth Tindall’s POLARITY is inspired by the suggestion that opposites are interconnected and everything is duel, a Yin and a Yang where harmony and balance emerges and where the outcome can only be peace. Tindall, who is Resident Choreographer and Director of Digital for Northern Ballet, created POLARITY  for Cape Town City Ballet in 2019, and excitingly returns to stage this new, extended version.

Costume Design is by Kenneth Tindall and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

Press comments about POLARITY included

“Polarity keeps the temperature in the room on high as it pushes the dancers to the edge physically and artistically”(Calloffthesearch.com) 

“a display of interconnection and dualism” (Broadway World)

“a striking ballet” (The Cape Robyn)

“We’re honoured to welcome back Veronica Paeper to stage her Romeo and Juliet for CTCB in collaboration with the powerhouse team of Peter Cazalet and Wilhelm Disbergen,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet.

“After the challenges we have all faced over the past few years, what better way to look towards the future inspired by the concept of Ikigai. It’s a path of finding meaning, joy,  undergoing renewal and experiencing peace. We have compiled a winter programme that celebrates this philosophy and which we hope will help set audiences on their own journey of Ikigai.”

ROMEO AND JULIET will be presented at Artscape from 4 to 28 August.  

IKIGAI will be presented at Artscape from 17 to 28 August.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.

Performance dates are:

ROMEO AND JULIET

5, 8, 10 and 13 August @ 19h30: (With International Guest Artist & CPO)

4, 9, 23 and 25 August  @ 19h30: (With CPO)

28 August @ 18h00: (With CPO)

6 and 20 August @ 15h00: (To recorded music)

14 August @ 18h00: (To recorded music)

6, 11, 12, 27 August @ 19h30: (To recorded music)

IKIGAI

17 August @19h30 and 28 August @14h00:  (With CPO)

25 August @15h00: (To recorded music)

18, 20, 24 and 26 August @ 19h30 (To recorded music)

27 August @ 15h00 (To recorded music)

TICKET PRICES ROMEO AND JULIET : FROM  R175 – R750.00

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R300 to R500 for performances featuring CTCB Artists accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for evening performances to recorded music.

*  Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.

TICKET PRICES IKIGAI: FROM  R175 – R475

* Tickets cost from R175 to R475 for performances accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

* Tickets cost from R175 to R350 for performances to recorded music.

*Pensioners tickets for specific performances can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R30 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) – R30.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.

Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) congratulates Dr Cornelia (Connie) September who was awarded her doctoral thesis in Education recently. 

Ms September, a passionate philomath, received her doctoral degree in The Management of Technology and Innovation in Education, at the Da Vinci Institute, in Johannesburg, on Monday May 23, 2022. 

Connie September is one of CTCB’s three Patrons, and a renowned champion of the arts and ballet sectors. 

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to newly capped Dr Cornelia (Connie) September, one of our revered Patrons and a longstanding supporter of Cape Town City Ballet,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. 

“Dr September has been an integral part of the classical ballet world for many years through her unwavering commitment to the investment in the industry. Her work continues to help advance the sector through many avenues. 

“Connie, we are proud and honoured to have you as our patron.  We salute you for this immense achievement of being awarded your doctoral degree,” says Turner. 

The former Human Settlements Minister produced her thesis titled: Public funding of the college sector: a social-return-on-investment in higher education in South Africa. 

Edward Kieswetter, President (chancellor) of Da Vinci Institute and Commissioner of SARS was the key note speaker and hosted the ceremony of the doctoral graduates. 

Ms September said sessions of the course started in 2019 after registering in 2018. She chose the topic for her thesis “Public funding of the college sector: a social-return-on-investment in higher education in South Africa” because financial investment in education, especially in the public colleges, required the measurement of a social-return-on-investment in order to look at the social value increased funding from government can be realised.  

“Public colleges are the key engines and institutions to produce the requisite skills the labour market requires. Thus any Rand and cent must be measured on the basis of a social value it produces to communities and the economy as a whole,” said Ms September. 

Ms September’s passion for human rights stems way back when she was growing up in Grassy Park. “By 1980 I was not part of any political organisation but it changed soon when I joined LOGRA (Lotus River, Grassy Park, Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association) youth and civic, CAHAC (Cape Areas Housing Action Committee) with former finance minister Trevor Manuel and the formations of the Advice Office Forum. I joined CLOWU (Clothing Workers Union) to mobilise workers to join progressive unions.” 

Ms September said: “After the famous Rex Strike that broke the back of conservative unions and ushered in dignity to women workers, the formation of GAWU (Garment and Allied Workers Union), then SACTWU (South African Clothing Textile Workers Union). I became the first woman to become a deputy President of Cosatu (Congress of South Africa Trade Unions).”  

Ms September’s passion for education ran through her veins and she kept on studying.

“I was always interested to learn more to study further hence obtaining a pre-primary teachers diploma, economic degrees, post graduate economic policy degrees, Masters in applying technology management in townships and now PhD in Education, education became my life in the unions and in parliament.” 

Ms September said it was a great achievement “to complete my PhD at the age of 61.” 

She said she had served on the Magistrates Commission for 5 years and was responsible for ensuring that more women and especially young black women and men enter the bench in the lower courts. “Some of them are now serving in the higher courts. We were praised by the President for the changes we made.” 

Ms September aimed to inspire people of all ages, as she echoed former president Nelson Mandela’s belief in education. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.  One of his significant quotes: “The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.”

Ms September was extremely appreciative of the acknowledgement of her role in the Arts as in Ballet was conveyed by the CEO of Da Vinci ,Prof Klopper upon handing over the book of wisdom to herself at the ceremony. 

Ms September said communities can do much more at any age. She said she will continue to study and she also encouraged others to keep on studying but to also take their acquired knowledge to teach. “I will keenly work to get the recommendations of my thesis implemented.”

Cape Town City Ballet presents its production of Maina Gielgud’s GISELLE.

GISELLE will be presented from 18 March until 9 April 2022 in the Artscape Opera House. 

Vadim Muntagirov (Principal of The Royal Ballet) will dance the role of Albrecht opposite Ksenia Ovsyanick, Principal Ballerina with Staatsballett Berlin, as Giselle at the performances on 19, 21, 23 and 25 March.

Ksenia Ovsyanick replaces Tatiana Melnik, who was originally scheduled to perform as part of the programme.

Ovsyanick last performed with CTCB in the role of Giselle in July 2018.

International guest artist Brandon Lawrence (Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet) excitingly also joins Cape Town City Ballet at select performances in the role of Albrecht, partnering Cape Town City Ballet’s Leanè Theunissen as Giselle.

Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Brandon Phillips, perform alongside the dancers at various performances.

Seating remains strictly limited due to social distancing and government regulations. All Covid-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing of masks throughout.

Suzette Raymond, Chairperson of both Cape Town City Ballet and Friends of Cape Town City Ballet, says, “Cape Town City Ballet notes with concern the current crisis in Ukraine. The CTCB empathises with artists from the warring countries who are caught in the cross-fire. The CTCB hopes that rationality will prevail and that the arts will be able to bring healing, comfort and understanding between nations.”

“The CTCB empathises with Tatiana Melnik about her fear to travel to South Africa under the current crisis and the CTCB accepts her request to withdraw from the production. Vadim Muntagirov is contracted to the CTCB on his British citizenship.”

Principal Ballerina with Staatsballett Berlin, Ksenia Ovsyanick started her training in Belorussian State Ballet College, followed by winning a scholarship at Prix de Lausanne to come to English National Ballet School. Her career started with English National Ballet and over the years she performed on stages around the world including:  Opera National de Paris Palais Garner, Royal Opera House Muscat, Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Royal Albert Hall London and Buckingham Palace. She participated in gala performances in China, Singapore, India, Russia, Chile Greece, Sweden, Spain, Italy, France, Denmark, Latvia, Belarus, among others, as well as participating in the closing ceremony of Olympics in London 2012.  

At the age of 20 she danced her first Giselle and was nominated for English National Ballet’s Emerging dancer award.

In March 2012 Ksenia had a title role of Firebird choreographed on her in the world premiere of “Firebird” by George Williamson, which brought her the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for an outstanding performance.

 In 2013 Ms Ovsyanick was nominated for “Prix Benois de la Danse” best female dancer award and in 2018 she won “Dance Open“ international Ballet Award in St. Petersburg.

Ksenia has created roles with choreographers such as Nacho Duato, Liam Scarlett, George Williamson, Alexej Ratmansky, Itzik Galilli, Yabin Wang and performed ballets by Kenneth Macmillan, John Cranko, Jiri Kylian, George Balanchine, Serge Lifar and Wayne Eagling among many others.

In 2016 she joined Staatsballett Berlin as Principal Ballerina, performing leading roles in Nacho Duato’s Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, the title role in ballet Erde created on her by Duato, as well as Rubies and Diamonds in Balanchine’s Jewels, Giselle, Onegin, Don Quixote, La Bayadere and others.

GISELLE is a much-loved ballet which presents a romantic story of innocent love and betrayal portrayed in two acts.  Giselle, a naive and beautiful peasant girl who loves to dance, unsuspectingly falls in love with a philandering nobleman, Albrecht. He disguises himself as a peasant while pursuing her affections and when the deceit is revealed Giselle is inconsolable. In discovering that he is already betrothed, she dies of a broken heart. 

The story continues in the moonlit land of the Wilis, a mysterious landscape inhabited by the vengeful spirits of virgin brides who never reached their wedding day. The ghostly Wilis torment Albrecht as he appears in search of the spirit of Giselle.

The duality of the body and spirit, evocation of the supernatural, and the tale of undying love and devotion endears this quintessentially romantic ballet to a universal audience.

GISELLE is performed to the music of Adolphe Adam , with choreography by Maina Gielgud, after Jean Coralli & Jules Perrot. The stellar creative team again includes the powerhouse team of Designer Peter Cazalet for Costume Design and Décor, assisted by Michael Mitchell, and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

GISELLE will be presented at Artscape Opera House from 18 March to 9 April 2022.

Performances dates are: 

MARCH

• 18 March @ 19h30 (With International UK Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen with the CTPO)
• 19, 21, 23, 25 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artists, Vadim Muntagirov and Ksenia Ovsyanick with the CTPO)
• 22 and 31 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 24 and 30 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 26 March @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 26 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen TO RECORDED MUSIC)

 APRIL

• 1 and 7 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 2 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen)
• 2, 6 and 8 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 9 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC  with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 9 April @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen with CTPO)

TICKET PRICES: 

*             Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

*             Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for performances to recorded music.

*             Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.  

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R20.00 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) – R10.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office

THIS CASTING SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE EVENT OF NECESSITY. 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

Cape Town City Ballet has announced a change in the programme for its production of Maina Gielgud’s GISELLE.

GISELLE will be presented from 18 March until 9 April 2022 in the Artscape Opera House. 

Ksenia Ovsyanick, Principal Ballerina with Staatsballett Berlin, will dance the role of Giselle opposite Vadim Muntagirov (Principal of The Royal Ballet) as Albrecht at the performances on 19, 21, 23 and 25 March.

She replaces Tatiana Melnik, who was originally scheduled to perform as part of the programme.

International guest artist Brandon Lawrence (Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet) excitingly also joins Cape Town City Ballet at select performances in the role of Albrecht, partnering Cape Town City Ballet’s Leanè Theunissen as Giselle.

Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Brandon Phillips, perform alongside the dancers at various performances.

Seating remains strictly limited due to social distancing and government regulations. All Covid-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing of masks throughout.

Suzette Raymond, Chairperson of both Cape Town City Ballet and Friends of Cape Town City Ballet, says, “Cape Town City Ballet notes with concern the current crisis in Ukraine. The CTCB empathises with artists from the warring countries who are caught in the cross-fire. The CTCB hopes that rationality will prevail and that the arts will be able to bring healing, comfort and understanding between nations.”

“The CTCB empathises with Tatiana Melnik about her fear to travel to South Africa under the current crisis and the CTCB accepts her request to withdraw from the production. Vadim Muntagirov is contracted to the CTCB on his British citizenship.”

Principal Ballerina with Staatsballett Berlin, Ksenia Ovsyanick started her training in Belorussian State Ballet College, followed by winning a scholarship at Prix de Lausanne to come to English National Ballet School. Her career started with English National Ballet and over the years she performed on stages around the world including:  Opera National de Paris Palais Garner, Royal Opera House Muscat, Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Royal Albert Hall London and Buckingham Palace. She participated in gala performances in China, Singapore, India, Russia, Chile Greece, Sweden, Spain, Italy, France, Denmark, Latvia, Belarus, among others, as well as participating in the closing ceremony of Olympics in London 2012.  

At the age of 20 she danced her first Giselle and was nominated for English National Ballet’s Emerging dancer award.

In March 2012 Ksenia had a title role of Firebird choreographed on her in the world premiere of “Firebird” by George Williamson, which brought her the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for an outstanding performance.

 In 2013 Ms Ovsyanick was nominated for “Prix Benois de la Danse” best female dancer award and in 2018 she won “Dance Open“ international Ballet Award in St. Petersburg.

Ksenia has created roles with choreographers such as Nacho Duato, Liam Scarlett, George Williamson, Alexej Ratmansky, Itzik Galilli, Yabin Wang and performed ballets by Kenneth Macmillan, John Cranko, Jiri Kylian, George Balanchine, Serge Lifar and Wayne Eagling among many others.

In 2016 she joined Staatsballett Berlin as Principal Ballerina, performing leading roles in Nacho Duato’s Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, the title role in ballet Erde created on her by Duato, as well as Rubies and Diamonds in Balanchine’s Jewels, Giselle, Onegin, Don Quixote, La Bayadere and others.

GISELLE is a much-loved ballet which presents a romantic story of innocent love and betrayal portrayed in two acts.  Giselle, a naive and beautiful peasant girl who loves to dance, unsuspectingly falls in love with a philandering nobleman, Albrecht. He disguises himself as a peasant while pursuing her affections and when the deceit is revealed Giselle is inconsolable. In discovering that he is already betrothed, she dies of a broken heart. 

The story continues in the moonlit land of the Wilies, a mysterious landscape inhabited by the vengeful spirits of virgin brides who never reached their wedding day. The ghostly Wilies torment Albrecht as he appears in search of the spirit of Giselle.

The duality of the body and spirit, evocation of the supernatural, and the tale of undying love and devotion endears this quintessentially romantic ballet to a universal audience.

GISELLE is performed to the music of Adolphe Adam , with choreography by Maina Gielgud, after Jean Coralli & Jules Perrot. The stellar creative team again includes the powerhouse team of Designer Peter Cazalet for Costume Design and Décor, assisted by Michael Mitchell, and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

GISELLE will be presented at Artscape Opera House from 18 March to 9 April 2022.

Performances dates are: 

MARCH

• 18 March @ 19h30 (With International UK Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen with the CTPO)
• 19, 21, 23, 25 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artists, Vadim Muntagirov and Ksenia Ovsyanick with the CTPO)
• 22 and 31 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 24 and 30 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 26 March @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 26 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen TO RECORDED MUSIC)

APRIL

• 1 and 7 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 2 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen)
• 2, 6 and 8 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 9 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC  with Kirstel Paterson and Lêusson Muniz)
• 9 April @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leanè Theunissen with CTPO)

 TICKET PRICES:

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for performances to recorded music.

*  Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R20.00 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) – R10.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office

THIS CASTING SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE EVENT OF NECESSITY.

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.   

The international guest artists who will join Cape Town City Ballet for Maina Gielgud’s GISELLE have been announced.

GISELLE will be presented from 18 March until 9 April 2022 in the Artscape Opera House.

International guest artists Vadim Muntagirov (Principal of The Royal Ballet), Tatiana Melnik (Principal at Hungarian National Ballet) and Brandon Lawrence (Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet) join the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Brandon Phillips, alongside the dancers of Cape Town City Ballet at select performances.

Seating remains strictly limited due to social distancing and government regulations. All Covid-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing of masks throughout.

“It is fitting that we are able to mark the start of a new, post-pandemic era by bringing international guest artists to Cape Town,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “We are honoured to once again be presenting some of the world’s best ballet dancers on the local stage.”

“We are especially delighted to welcome back Vadim and Tatiana, as well as hosting Brandon Lawrence for the first time performing with Cape Town City Ballet. He will partner with our very own Léane Theunissen, who audiences have recently enjoyed watching in Veronica Paeper’s Carmen and A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge.”

Mr Muntagirov and Ms Melnik previously delighted Cape Town audiences in 2019 in Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Denise Schultze Godfrey’s Sleeping Beauty.

This much-loved ballet presents a romantic story of innocent love and betrayal portrayed in two acts.  Giselle, a naive and beautiful peasant girl who loves to dance, unsuspectingly falls in love with a philandering nobleman, Albrecht. He disguises himself as a peasant while pursuing her affections and when the deceit is revealed Giselle is inconsolable. In discovering that he is already betrothed, she dies of a broken heart.

The story continues in the moonlit land of the Wilies, a mysterious landscape inhabited by the vengeful spirits of virgin brides who never reached their wedding day. The ghostly Wilies torment Albrecht as he appears in search of the spirit of Giselle.

The duality of the body and spirit, evocation of the supernatural, and the tale of undying love and devotion endears this quintessentially romantic ballet to a universal audience.

GISELLE is performed to the music of Adolphe Adam, with choreography by Maina Gielgud, after Jean Coralli & Jules Perrot. The stellar creative team again includes the powerhouse team of Designer Peter Cazalet for Costume Design and Décor, assisted by Michael Mitchell, and Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

Russian dancer Vadim Muntagirov trained at Perm Ballet School before moving to The Royal Ballet Upper School. He joined the Company from English National Ballet as a Principal in March 2014. His numerous roles with The Royal Ballet have included Basilio (Don Quixote), Albrecht (Giselle), Prince Siegfried (Swan Lake), Aminta (Sylvia), Prince Florimund (The Sleeping Beauty), Prince (The Nutcracker). Mr Muntagirov’s many awards include the 2013 and 2018 Benois de la danse and the 2021 Dance Europe Outstanding Dancer Award.

As a guest artist he has danced with companies including Paris Opera Ballet, Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre, in repertory including Solor (La Bayadère), Armand (Marguerite and Armand) and at National Ballet of Japan, Bavarian State Ballet, Mikhailovsky and Cape Town City Ballet.

Tatiana Melnik is female principal at Hungarian National Ballet. She has been a member of the Hungarian State Opera since 2015. Her roles have included Odette/Odile in Swan Lake; Princess Maria in The Nutcracker; Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty; Kitri in Don Quixote; Giselle in Giselle; Manon in Manon;  Princess Stephanie in Mayerling and Nkiya in La Bayadère.  Her professional work also includes being a soloist at Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre and work with the Russian State Ballet (2006-2013).

Brandon Lawrence trained with Penny Murray and Andie Nydza before attending the Royal Ballet School where he graduated to join Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2011 to then reach the rank of Principal Dancer in 2019. Mr Lawrence has danced many of the Classics including Swan Lake (Prince Siegfreid); The Nutcracker (Prince); Sleeping Beauty (Prince Florimund); Giselle (Count Albrecht); Romeo and Juliet (Romeo); La Fille Mal Garde (Colas) and Beauty and the Beast (Beast). He has also danced many notable roles including Southern Cape Zebra from Sir David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Cafe,  Friday Night and Bethena Waltz in Macmillan’s Elite Syncopations.  While dancing the varied and diverse repertoire at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Mr Lawrence has created roles in Sir David Bintley’s King Dances, Alexander Whitley’s Kin,  George Williamson’s Embrace, Juanjo Arques’s Ignite, Didy Veldman’s Sense of Time and most recently Miguel Altunaga City of a thousand trades as well as being nominated for two National Dance Awards in the ‘Best Classical Male Performance Category’ for Ruth Brill’s Arcadia (Pan) and Jessica Lang’s (Wink).

GISELLE will be presented at Artscape Opera House from 18 March to 9 April 2022.

Performances dates are:

MARCH

• 18 March @ 19h30 (With International UK Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leane Theunissen with the CTPO)
• 19, 21, 23, 25 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artists, Vadim Muntagirov and Tatiana Melnik with the CTPO)
• 22 and 31 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chante Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 24 and 30 March @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Leusson Muniz)
• 26 March @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chante Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 26 March @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leane Theunissen TO RECORDED MUSIC)

APRIL

• 1 and 7 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Kirstel Paterson and Leusson Muniz)
• 2 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leane Theunissen)
• 2, 6 and 8 April @ 19h30 (TO RECORDED MUSIC with Chante Daniels, and Gabriel Ravenscroft)
• 9 April @ 15h00 (TO RECORDED MUSIC  with Kirstel Paterson and Leusson Muniz)
• 9 April @ 19h30 (With International Guest Artist, Brandon Lawrence and Leane Theunissen with CTPO)

TICKET PRICES: 

* Tickets cost from R350 to R750 for performances featuring International Guest Artist/s and accompanied by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

* Tickets cost from R250 to R395 for performances to recorded music.

* Tickets to matinee performances cost from R175 to R295.  

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.  

*Pensioners tickets can be purchased from Artscape Box Office only, at R20.00 discount per ticket.

*Block bookings (ten or more) – R10.00 discount per ticket through Artscape Box Office 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of all sponsors including the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Erica Manning for the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust and the Friends of Cape Town City Ballet.  

Cape Town production doyen, Charles Petersen has announced his retirement after serving 47 years as a production manager.

Petersen joined then Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB) in 1974 as a stage-hand and worked his way up to becoming the production manager.

He has worked on numerous productions including; Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Carmen, and a Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge during this time, first with CAPAB and then Cape Town City Ballet.

Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said the production team would always refer to his work and his retirement would bring a huge gap. Read full article>>

Read the Daily Maverick interview with Julian Moss and Cape Town City Ballet dancers by journalist Keith Bain, who caught a rehearsal of Troy Game ahead of its opening on 6 November.

Works by three acclaimed male choreographers have been assembled for Cape Town City Ballet’s new programme, Alchemy – Three Dances. Among them is Troy Game, a beloved contemporary classic choreographed by Robert North in 1974 and being staged with South African dancers by Julian Moss.

Palpitations. My heart thudding in my chest as I witness eight exquisite dancers whose fine-tuned bodies twist and weave, thrust and twirl, jump, fall, fly, and – I later discover – ache.

My own body, meanwhile, is rocking rhythmically to a furious drum beat, a Brazilian-flavoured score belted out through the speakers, filling the vast white-box studio with surging energy. What’s unfolding is exhilarating. Not only because it hints at the return to stages of physical performance after a long pause, but because of the dancers’ robustness and vigour, their almost shocking immersion in the moment.

CTCB in rehearsal for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

They are playing at being jocks, putting on macho postures – strutting, preening, cock-walking, play-fighting. They are soldiers readying themselves for battle, boxers challenging one another to a bout. Or maybe they’re boys pretending to be warriors, teasing and bullying, enacting butch stereotypes.

And then – suddenly – the martial gestures evolve into graceful dance movements, steely rigidity giving way to gyrating hips and wild-flailing arms. It’s a ceaseless back-and-forth between manly display and balletic grace.

There are no massive muscles, no bulging biceps nor beefy necks, none of the giveaway signs you’d associate with gym boytjies. Instead, the dancers are in their tights and short shorts, loose T-shirts hanging over pert butts, ballet shoes smoothing the tips of flawlessly toned legs.

CTCB in rehearsal for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

These lower appendages, though, are like steel coated in porcelain, thighs and quadriceps rippled with evidence of years of training, calves shaped by relentless classes, bodies stretched and toned, supple and pliable thanks to regimented rehearsals. So much talent crammed into each individual body, such poise and discipline… And then a twinkle in an eye, and mocking laughter as the seriousness of athletic solos and group combat transitions into overt goofiness. They’re not so much fighting as poking fun at the entire project of hyper-masculinity, executing a montage of moving friezes, their pace alternating between high-energy action and trancelike slow-motion. One instant I’m seeing propulsive gymnastics, the next they are human sculptures.

The studio is in a tucked-away part of Rondebosch, at the HQ of Cape Town City Ballet, where the all-male cast is being put through its paces in preparation for the opening of Troy Game, a 25-minute contemporary classic by the legendary British choreographer Robert North, ballet director of Germany’s Theater Krefeld und Mönchengladbach and creator of more than 90 ballets.

Julian Moss in rehearsal with CTCB for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

CTCB in rehearsal for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

Julian Moss in rehearsal with CTCB for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

Inspired as much by the war games of ancient Greece as by such martial arts as aikido and capoeira, Troy Game has been hailed as much for the purity of the dancing as it has for its inventiveness and its wit. While it brims with testosterone-fuelled sexiness, it dares to laugh at macho stereotypes. Having been performed countless times around the world, it remains a perennial crowd-pleaser, not because it is simple, but because it demands everything of the performers.

Among dancers, it’s known for the degree of punishment meted out. It is 25 minutes of proverbial jumping; watching some sequences you can’t help but hold your breath in anticipation of someone cramping up, breaking a toe, falling hard, colliding, maybe collapsing. Their commitment is astonishing, though, the intensity almost surreal, their endurance fuelled by that energising, almost primordial music.

Also driving them – hard – is Essex-born-and-raised Julian Moss, himself a veteran of Troy Game who has danced it “hundreds of times” and has, since 1988, been assisting North by setting the piece with different dance companies around the world. In the early 1990s, he was in South Africa to stage it with a Durban dance company; Cape Town is his third staging of the work this year – the previous two were in Poland and in Kosovo. “I’ve never taken it anywhere where people don’t like it,” he says. “Audiences love it.”

And while he’s lost count of the number of times he’s staged it, Moss says it never gets old. “Firstly, it’s the music,” he says. “I think if you tire of music like that, there’s something wrong with your soul.”

The work is also close to Moss’s heart; he says it’s what triggered his desire to be a dancer.

“Even if it’s two steps forward and one step back, if you have five dancers in a row all doing it together, they’ll each have their own special way of doing it – a personal way of interpreting it, a unique way of being seen.”

“Before seeing it, I never wanted to be a dancer. I wanted to be an actor. At drama school, I had to do dance classes. In 1975, when I was 15, my dance teacher drove us 20 miles to a nearby town where the London Contemporary Dance Theatre was performing Troy Game. I thought it was amazing. I don’t know what shifted in me, but it was just like all the fragments which were disassembled came together – like having an internal blindfold taken off. The penny just dropped.”

Another thing that keeps the piece fresh for Moss is that every company he works with is of course composed of different dancers, each with their own uniquenesses. “Although all the steps remain the same, the way they’re done is automatically different because they are eight unique individuals. Even if it’s two steps forward and one step back, if you have five dancers in a row all doing it together, they’ll each have their own special way of doing it – a personal way of interpreting it, a unique way of being seen. That’s really what keeps me fed.”

He says that within the Cape Town company those degrees of individuality are somehow enhanced. “Within many ballet companies, because of the nature of the art form, there’s more parity between each individual dancer. What’s interesting here is that there’s much more disparity between each of the dancers – so each of their individual characteristics are heightened. Because of the nature of this company – with dancers coming from all kinds of different backgrounds, and having diverse roots – those differences seem to be exacerbated. I like that. It gives me – as a stager of Robert North’s work – more to play with.”

Troy Game is itself a celebration of diversity, a coming together of disparate styles and influences. Moss explains that what adds to the complexity of the piece is it’s interweaving of multiple dance styles, something that’s explained by North’s own eclectic dance background: He was trained at London’s Royal Ballet School, danced with Martha Graham, and also worked with the American Jazz dancer Matt Mattox.

CTCB in rehearsal for Troy Game. Image: Danie Coetzee

The impetus for Troy Game came from music that North discovered while on a tour in Brazil. He brought a couple of vinyl LPs back to London and began creating a work based on that. Apart from his mixed artistic influences, he was also studying aikido, and had seen capoeira in Brazil. “He created the work in the breaks during other rehearsals,” Moss says. “He’d grab a dancer and say, ‘Can we quickly work on this…?’ And then one day it was all assembled.”

Apart from pulling together various strands of dance technique and style, he also wanted to use the piece to make fun of guys being guys. “It’s poking fun at jocks and studs doing their manly stuff,” says Moss. “While it’s not necessarily about anything, it’s really about several things. It’s also sort of ancient and ceremonial. And – for want of a better word – tribal, too. It has that deep ethnic honesty about it.”

Thami Njoko in Troy Game. Image: Helena Fagan.

And then there’s also the challenge of jumping for 25 minutes. And the athleticism and discipline required to cope with that kind of exertion.

It may look like fun and games. And it is thrillingly upbeat and sexy, a joyous celebration of life. Yet its execution is brutal, demanding stamina, endurance, and – evidently – a high tolerance for pain.

“It’s hard to call out any one part as most challenging, but there’s one point – the climax at the very end – where the legs just don’t want to play anymore. It builds and builds and then there’s a section where they’re dropping down to their knees, and then leaning and coming forwards, all eight of them, and it’s so brutal that we used to call that the mother… Well, when you see it, you can imagine what kind of a mother it is… Because it really used to hurt like a mother…”

After the rehearsal, I ask some of the men who’ve been dancing like their lives depend on it to talk me through what it feels like.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no… I just don’t even think about it,” says Cape Town-born and raised Elvis Nonjeke, who, despite registering the agony, can’t stop smiling. “From the ‘mother’ onwards you’re just living on hopes and dreams – hoping that your legs will bring you back up when you go down. But if I think about an ache, that’s where my focus will go, and I’ll start messing up because the pain will take over.”

“My legs start to get fatigued quite early in the piece,” says Quinton Jacobs, a former gymnast who hails from Swakopmund. “From there on it’s a mental battle to not think about the pain. By the time my last entrance happens, my legs are essentially dead; they’re absolutely shot. But you have to push through. I’m Afrikaans, so I keep telling myself, ‘Hou, bene! Hou!’ [Stay, legs! Stay!]”

“I think the perception is that when you go to the ballet, you’re going to see a bunch of women on stage running on their toes,” says Jordan Roelfze, who has been with the company for six years. “Troy Game is great because it demonstrates the kind of strength demanded from dancers. And it showcases what the men have to contribute. That we are of value in ballet.”

As much as male dancers can have considerable physical strength, Roelfze says it’s “a mental game” getting through a ballet like this. “You can’t worry about what’s aching and what’s uncomfortable. There’s an audience watching and they haven’t paid to see you in pain. They’ve paid to see you deliver. That’s the professional side of being a dancer.”

Moss says he knows all too well the heavy burden the piece places on the dancers. “It pushes them, it hurts them, and I know that in order to get the piece out, I have to push them to the point where it’s almost inhuman. A way of making that easier is to make them giggle every so often, to have a bit of a laugh, and not be obsessed. Because it is very easy to be obsessed with hurting knees and sore ankles.”

“Dance leaves you nothing – no manuscript, no photographs. But what it does give you is one intense, fleeting moment in which you are truly alive.”

Ultimately, though, Moss believes there is something innately joyful about being able to dance to this level that somehow makes the pain disappear. “There’s an enormous sense of satisfaction if you can get through a run of what is quite honestly a bitch of a piece. And if the dancers feel good about what they’re doing, it’s amazing how all the physical niggles dissipate.”

Moss says he witnesses human bodies being put through hell during almost every rehearsal – and in every performance. “During the run-through, I heard one of the boys slap his back hard on the floor. He went off in pain but then had a broad smile on his face for the rest of the run. Afterwards, I asked if he was okay, and he said, ‘It’s just so fantastic to be dancing’.”

Moss believes this kind of resilience to the pain is built up from the joy that dancing gives the dancers in return for their hard labour – their sweat, tears, and sometimes blood. He explains the level of pain-flattening exhilaration in terms of something that the great American choreographer, Merce Cunningham, once said. “He said that dance leaves you nothing – no manuscript, no photographs. But what it does give you is one intense, fleeting moment in which you are truly alive. I think there’s something so beautiful and poetic and honest about that. That’s how I feel when I jump around in a studio. It’s a fleeting sensation. You may have it for a tenth of a second when you move a certain way. But – oh, my god – it feels otherworldly. So for these dancers, coming back to the studio after the long hiatus imposed by the pandemic, is like a rebirth. Which sounds really naff. But this is what we do.” DM/ML

Cape Town City Ballet this month pays tribute to distinguished male choreographers with a programme of three distinctive 20th-century dance pieces. Alongside Robert North’s Troy Game, there’s George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco danced to JS Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins”, and Jiří Kylián’s Falling Angels, which was first presented in 1989 by the Nederlands Dans Theater. Alchemy – Three Dances is showing at the Artscape Opera House from 6 to 13 November.

ALCHEMY – THREE DANCES honours three of the world’s most celebrated male choreographers, and includes the South African premiere of Robert North’s internationally acclaimed TROY GAME, as well as George Balanchine’s exquisite CONCERTO BAROCCO and Jiří Kylián’s arresting FALLING ANGELS.  This presentation marks the first time a Kylián work has been staged on a South African company. 

The season will be presented at the Artscape Opera House from 6 until 13 November. 

Bookings are through Computicket and Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695. 

Although capacity has been increased with the introduction of Level One, seating in the Artscape Opera House will still be strictly limited due to social distancing and government regulations. All COVID-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing of masks throughout. 

“The dancers of Cape Town City Ballet illustrate their prowess and stylistic diversity in these three very different works choreographed by these ballet giants,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “With the lyrical beauty of Concerto Barocco, the arresting power of Falling Angels and the delicious humour of Troy Game, we have strived to compile a programme that will lift your spirits for the start of a new season and time.” 

Balanchine’s neo-classical Concerto Barocco is danced to J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, the instruments personified by the two leading ladies of the cast and an ensemble of eight female dancers. A beautiful pas de deux forms the focus of the second movement. Concerto Barocco is performed by permission of the ©The George Balanchine Trust. 

Kylián’s Falling Angels is an all-women work created to an hypnotic Steve Reich score and inspired by the percussive musical rituals of West Africa. The energetic and tumultuous choreography becomes riveting as the dancers plunge into the vortex of the score.   It will be staged by Elke Schepers who sets a variety of Jiří Kylián’s works all over the world. Costume Design is by Joke Visser with Lighting Design by Jiří Kylián (concept) and Joop Caboort (realization). 

Falling Angels  was first presented in 1989 by Nederlands Dans Theater. Kylián comments about the piece: “Choreographically, this piece is a study of the two most opposing properties of any art work: discipline and freedom.  It is a symbol of a strife between belonging and independence, a dilemma, which accompanies all of us from cradle to grave.” 

Troy Game is Robert North’s witty and engaging all-male work set to a Brazilian-flavoured score by Jon Kelietio and Bob Downes, it is a suite of athletic solos and intricately constructed moving friezes inspired by Ancient Greek war games and martial arts. Costume Design for Troy Game is by Peter Farmer. Lighting Design is after original design by Charter.

 ‘a funny and sexy romp…. an innovative blend of acting and movement that looks like the purest of pure dance pieces’ (The New York Times). 

Robert North is director at the Krefeld/Mönchengladbach Ballet company. His illustrious career has seen him as Artistic Director of Ballet Rambert; co- Artistic Director of London Contemporary Dance Theatre; Artistic Director positions at the Italian Teatro Regio in Torino, of the Gothenburg Ballet, of the Corpo di Ballo Dell’Arena di Verona in Italy and of the Scottish Ballet. 

In addition to TROY GAME, Robert has created over 90 ballets and has choreographed for more than 95 different companies throughout the world including: the Royal Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Scottish Ballet, English National Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, New Zealand Ballet, Rome Opera, Baletto di Toscana and Royal Danish Ballet.  His numerous awards include the Positano Prize for best choreographer in Italy, and a Prize in Regio Emelia, Italy for the most outstanding choreographer of a children’s ballet with The Snowman. North was also awarded the Vignale Prize for his contribution to dance in Italy. 

Jiří Kylián made his debut as a choreographer with Stuttgart Ballet and went on to create three ballets for Nederlands Dans Theater, before becoming artistic director of the company in 1975, and putting the Company on the international map with Sinfonietta. With Carel Birnie, he established a bridging programme between school and professional company life with Nederlands Dans Theater II, and also Nederlands Dans Theater III, a company for older dancers, above the age of forty. This extraordinary three-dimensional structure was unique in the world of dance. 

Among the more than 100 works that Jiří Kylián has created, he has worked with companies such as the Stuttgart Ballet, the Paris Opéra Ballet, Bayerisches Staatsoper Münich, Swedish television and the Tokyo Ballet. He has worked on various films and served as Mentor in Dance in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. 

Kylián’s extensive list of international awards include: “Officer of the Orange Order”- Netherlands; “Honorary Doctorate” – Julliard School New York; three “Nijinsky Awards” – Monte Carlo; “Benoit de la Dance” – Moscow and Berlin;  “Honorary Medal” of the President of the Czech Republic; “Commander of the Legion d’honneur” France, and in 2008 he was distinguished with one of the highest royal honours, the Medal of the Order for Arts and Science of the House of Orange given to him by Her Majesty the Queen Beatrix from the Netherlands. Kylián received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of dance and theater by the Czech Ministry of Culture in Prague.  

Established as the Nico Malan Theatre in 1971, the Artscape building this year marks its 50th anniversary in existence. 

ALCHEMY – THREE DANCES – will be presented from 6 until 13 November. Performances are on 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 November at 19h30, with a matinee on Saturday 13 November at 15h00. 

Tickets cost from R195 – R350.   

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket. 

Please Note: The event complies with all COVID-19 regulations including social distancing and patrons must wear masks for entry. 

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market, Toby Fine Ballet Fund and the Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust.

Cape Town City Ballet proudly presents Veronica Paeper’s CARMEN at Artscape from 25 August until 4 September.

Bookings open at Computicket on 16 August and seating in the Artscape Opera House will be strictly limited to 50 seats due to social distancing and government regulations. All COVID-19 regulations will be in place including social distancing and wearing masks for entry.

Set to Georges Bizet’s dramatic, famous score, CARMEN will be performed to a recording by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Inspired by Prosper Mérimée’s romantic novel of 1845, CARMEN is the ultimate tale of love, passion, betrayal and revenge.

Carmen is a fiery gypsy girl who mesmerises and seduces a young soldier, Don Jose. He gives up everything for her, abandoning his childhood sweetheart and deserting his military duties. However, Carmen’s free spirit will not be tamed and her unfaithfulness to him leads to tragic results.

Completing the stellar creative team for the production, Design is by Peter Cazalet with Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen.

“I was truly delighted when Debbie Turner invited me to re-produce Carmen, a ballet I consider one of my better efforts,” says Veronica Paeper. “Bringing this wonderfully wild, passionate and headstrong gypsy back to life has been a real challenge in these difficult times, a challenge I have relished. Together with the dedicated dancers and all the staff of CTCB – artistic, admin and stage – I believe we have created a wonderful evening of entertainment. I certainly have enjoyed producing the Ballet.”

“Carmen is a perennial favourite with its powerful story of love, passion, revenge and power, performed to Bizet’s sweeping score,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet.

“We are delighted to be able to present this production by one of South Africa’s iconic women and ballet legends, Veronica Paeper, in Woman’s Month. Veronica is a former Artistic Director of both Capab and Cape Town City Ballet and it is a privilege for all of us at the Company to be able to appropriately restore her work and once again bring together the creative powerhouses and artistic partnership of Veronica with designer Peter Cazalet, coupled with the masterful lighting design of Wilhelm Disbergen.” 

CARMEN is one of more than 40 ballets, among them 16 full-length works, that have been choreographed by Paeper, who began her creative portfolio in 1972. She choreographed her first production of CARMEN in 1987 for Capab. Her production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL – THE STORY OF SCROOGE for Cape Town City Ballet played to sold out houses and critical acclaim in December 2019, and will be restaged in December.

Paeper received her ballet training under the tutelage of Dulcie Howes at the UCT Ballet School, where she also studied with David Poole, Pamela Chrimes and Frank Staff. Staff, whom she married in 1966, and from whom she drew and continues to draw great inspiration, was to have a profound influence on her work as a choreographer.

During her performing career, Paeper rose to become a principal dancer with three South African companies: Capab Ballet, Pact Ballet and Pacofs Ballet.

Paeper held the position of Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of Capab from 1990, and Cape Town City Ballet from 1997 until 2005.  She led the company on its first international tour of a South African ballet company in 1994.

Paeper’s first work, created for Capab Ballet in the early 1970s, was John the Baptist, a dramatic one-act ballet set to music by Ernest Bloch. It featured scenery and costumes designed by Peter Cazalet, an innovative, witty artist who would remain Paeper’s most frequent artistic collaborator for the next 25 years.

Established as the Nico Malan Theatre in 1971, the Artscape building this year marks its 50th anniversary in existence. CARMEN is presented as part of Artscape’s celebrations for National Woman’s Day, which run throughout August and include the 15th annual Women’s Humanity Arts Festival.

The age recommendation for CARMEN is PG 10yrs.

CARMEN  will be presented on 25, 26, 27, 28 August and on 1, 2, 3 and 4 September at 18h30.There will be matinees on Saturday 28 August and Saturday 4 September at 14h00.

Tickets cost from R300 to R350.  Bookings can be made from 16 August at Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.  

Please Note: The event complies with all COVID-19 regulations including social distancing and patrons must wear masks for entry.

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market and Toby Fine Ballet Fund.

Cape Town City Ballet proudly presents the South African premiere of Mthuthuzeli November’s Olivier Award-winning INGOMA as part of its Autumn Season from 19 May at Artscape.

The performances in the Artscape Opera House will be strictly limited to 250 seats due to social distancing.

Commissioned by Cassa Pancho for Ballet Black in London, and choreographed by South African born November, INGOMA collected prestigious awards including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production as well as Best Dance Production at the Black British Theatre Awards following its premiere in 2019 at the Barbican Theatre and run at the Lindbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House.

In juxtaposition to this powerful, visceral work, audiences will be able to enjoy the pastoral fantasy of LES SYLPHIDES. Sylphs of imaginary spirits dance in the moonlight with the “poet” to the exquisite composition of Frederic Chopin.

This quintessential romantic reverie with choreography by Mikhail Fokine will be staged by British ballet luminary Lynn Wallis, who was Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance for twenty two years and who has worked with companies such as the National Ballet of Canada and English National Ballet. In 2015 Wallis was awarded an OBE for services to dance.

Audiences can enjoy a second programme of breath-taking classical and neo-classical ballet with the return of CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET – BACK ON STAGE following sold out houses in Cape Town and Durban.

The double bill features George Balanchine’s SERENADE, performed to music by Tchaikovsky and staged by Rebecca Metzger for The George Balanchine Foundation.

It is accompanied by MOON BEHIND THE CLOUDS, a suite of works made during the time of Covid-19, by leading South African choreographers Veronica Paeper, Kirsten Isenberg, Yaseen Manuel, Lindy Raizenberg and Marlin Zoutman. The lyrical dancing and moving imagery is laced together through the timeless text of Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata, narrated by acclaimed performer Marcel Meyer. Nathalie Vijver is the Dramaturg for the work.

Lighting Design for the Autumn Season is by Wilhelm Disbergen.

Established as the Nico Malan Theatre in 1971, the Artscape building marks its 50th anniversary in existence..

“We will be marking two momentous occasions with the opening of our Autumn Season at Artscape,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet.

“On 19 May 1971, the venue opened with a performance by CAPAB, the ballet company of the time. It is fitting that we use this opportunity to recognise not only how far we have come and the changes that have taken place, but also the next fifty years of ballet on the Artscape stage, and how dance can lead the way in championing change and extending boundaries,” says Turner.

“We are honoured to be presenting INGOMA, which has been extended to accommodate the Company of Cape Town City Ballet. With the staging of this
ground-breaking work, we proudly celebrate the work of Mthuthuzeli in his home country.”

INGOMA is a compelling fusion of ballet, African dance and song, engaging in a universal theme about being human and being true to yourself. Inspired by the artwork of Gerard Sekoto, most particularly the Song of the Pick and his Blue Head, it explores the milestone Witwatersrand miners’ strike of 1946, imagining the struggles of black miners and their loved ones as thousands of miners bravely embarked on strike action for better wages.

“a powerful piece….November naturally blends ballet, on pointe, with earthier African idiom. Four stars” The Guardian

South African Peter Johnson composed the music for the production, marking his third collaboration with November after Cape Dance Company’s Visceral and Sun. Asisipho Malunga completes the creative team as dramaturge and vocalist.

INGOMA / LES SYLPHIDES will be presented on 19, 22, 27,28, May and 3, 4 and 5 June at 19h30 with matinees on 22 and 29 May at 15h00.

CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET – BACK ON STAGE will be presented on 26 and 29 May and 2 June at 19h30 with a matinee on 5 June at 15h00.

Tickets cost R300 each for the evening performances and R250 each for the matinee.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.

Please Note: The event complies with all COVID-19 regulations including social distancing and patrons must wear masks for entry.

Cape Town City Ballet is grateful for the support of the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Food Lovers Market and Toby Fine Ballet Fund.

*Invest in the work of Cape Town City Ballet! For information about how to donate to their THUNDAFUND campaign, email [email protected] or visit thundafund.com/project/6716626611211597

This collaboration between Cape Town Opera, Camerata Tinta Barocca and Cape Town City Ballet provides an emotional and artistic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, conceptualized specifically for filming and digital dissemination.

The text reflects on the suffering of Mary at the Crucifixion, and Pergolesi’s compact setting provides the jumping-off point for our reflection on grief caused by this pandemic, and social and spatial alienation arriving in its wake. A baroque orchestra and two opera singers are joined by six dancers, creating a choreographed staging within the realities of social and physical distancing.

View this short, mythical film for free on artsfundi.com and support other artistic collaborations on the site. View trailer below:

“Journeys” is part of a series of concerts called “Entertainment in Containment 20/20”, presented by Biblioteek Productions. These mini-productions are 20 minutes each and are being rolled out once a week for twenty weeks.

This project is a collaboration between freelance classical musicians and dancers from Cape Town City Ballet with guest artists from New World Dance Theatre. Apart from music and dance, we have experimented with using projections, shadows and integrating our art into nature.

“Catherine Stephenson (flute), Albert Combrink (piano) and Graham Du Plessis (cello) provide a sound track for dancers from Cape Town City Ballet, with choreography by Kristin Wilson as part of the City of Cape Towns Choreolab initiative.

Be transported along babbling brooks with an arrangement of Smetana’s Moldau, fly across eddies of snow with The Snowman, be seduced by the wiles of a fiery women with music from Bizet’s opera Carmen, and experience the passion of Argentinian Tango with Piazzolla’s Oblivion and Libertango.”

For more information on our project, please visit our Facebook Event page (Facebook Event: Journeys), where you will find information on the performers and see some “behind the scenes” footage.

quicket.co.za/2020-entertainment-in-containment-presents-journeys
Tickets for “Journeys” are R80 and can be bought through Quicket. The e-ticket will be usable from the launch on Friday 2 October at 20h00 (GMT+2) until Thursday 8 October at 23h00 (GMT+2)

View trailor below:

As a result of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the arts and culture sectors, Cape Town City Ballet has been forced to retrench some of its dancers.

Gatherings of more than 50 people have been prohibited from level 5 to level 2 which has had dire consequences for the arts industry. All performances at Artscape have been cancelled until 2021.

“Our entire planned programme for 2020 has been cancelled, having a significant financial impact on the organisation,” says Suzette Raymond, Chairperson of the Board of Cape Town City Ballet.

“We have managed to sustain the full company for five months of lockdown, without our usual box office income stream. We have explored various alternatives to create additional income streams. We have engaged with employees and taken into consideration their suggestions to the best of our capabilities. We have implemented across the board pay cuts, from our admin staff, to our dancers.”

“Unfortunately, like many companies nationally and internationally, we were left with no other option than to make the difficult decision to enter into a comprehensive consultative process to retrench some of our dancers. The dancers are immensely talented artists and we hope to be able to welcome them back at some point in the future. These are incredibly challenging times for arts and culture companies around the world,” says Raymond.

“We urge anyone who is in a position to do so, to invest in the future of Cape Town City Ballet. There are a number of ways to do this and every amount, no matter how small, makes a difference. Sign up to become a VIP Friend, make a once-off or recurring donation, invest in our long-term endowment fund, make a bequest or nominate Cape Town City Ballet as a beneficiary on your My School card.”

For information about how to invest in Cape Town City Ballet contact [email protected]

In a world first, a captivating new short dance film created by Cape Town City Ballet and Norval Foundation honours the work of internationally acclaimed artist William Kentridge.

In an imaginative marrying of ballet and sculpture, the online film is inspired by and set against a stage of Kentridge’s Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture exhibition.  Presented by Norval Foundation, Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture was the first exhibition internationally to address Kentridge’s output as a sculptor, with a unique focus on this aspect of his practice.  The exhibition featured both new and historical artworks and brought the origins of these works, in props from his operas and images from his animations, stepping off the stage and out of the screen, confronting visitors directly at ground level.

Dancers from CTCB’s Choreolab programme each selected an artwork from the exhibition, which included iconic Kentridge works such as World On It’s Hind Legs and Singer Trio.  Informed by the narrative and lines of the work, the dancers created a short dance piece around it for inclusion in the film. The score was composed by Cape Town based Peter Johnson, who drew inspiration from the sculptures and the dancers’ movements as ‘live sculptures’. 

Both Cape Town City Ballet and Norval Foundation temporarily closed in March 2020 as a result of operating restrictions due to Covid-19. Under level 3 regulations, arts institutions can record content  without audiences and under strict safety conditions for digital streaming. Norval Foundation’s popular Skotnes Restaurant also recently re-opened with access to their Sculpture Garden.

“We are proud to be associated with Norval Foundation and especially honoured to mark our first partnership with them celebrating the work of internationally acclaimed artist William Kentridge,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet.

“These have been difficult times for everyone in the arts sector and we build strength and continue to inspire creativity by collaborating with like-minded organisations. The digital space presents exciting different opportunities how we communicate our stories, pushing and exploring creative boundaries, while working towards our objective of taking ballet to as wide an audience as possible,” says Turner.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Cape Town City Ballet on an innovative virtual project that harmonises two powerful art forms – dance and the visual arts. As a young, multidisciplinary institution, we value this dynamic interplay.  Museums worldwide are looking at how dance – which until now has been performed almost exclusively in theatres – can be experienced in a more interactive and experimental museum context. The museum setting allows dance artists to engage with and interpret the artworks in a way that transforms both artwork and dancer, in a synthesis that generates new and exhilarating meanings and possibilities,” says Elana Brundyn, CEO, Norval Foundation. 

“Cape Town City Ballet’s conversation with William Kentridge’s monumental sculptures, in “Why Should  I Hesitate: Sculpture”, is a dramatic, visually arresting presentation of movement through negative space, evoking Kentridge’s theatrical training at the L’Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris.  Now more than ever, creative companies must stand united to find ways in which to celebrate all forms of artistic expression, transition for the times, and above all remain connected with our loyal audiences. We hope this is the first of many such collaborations.”    

CTCB’s Choreolab programme was introduced in 2019 as a platform to incubate, nurture and invest in aspiring South African choreographers from within the Company. The choreographer is supported in creating and staging a work, while developing their choreographic skills by also working with a mentor.  Dancers taking part on this year’s programme are Tamlyn Higgins, Mbulelo Jonas, Kristin Wilson, Kholekile Biyongo, Conrad Nusser, Gabriella Ghiaroni, Gabrielle Fairhead, Mia Labuschagne and Nicolas Laubscher.

“This time is not a question of survival for Cape Town City Ballet –  one of the longest standing ballet companies in the world – but one of growth and development,” says Turner. “We will continue to explore new ways to engage with our audience, until the time we can come together again to experience the magic of a live performance.”

To view the film visit artsfundi.com
Tickets cost R50 and can be purchased at the link.
Join Norval Foundation on You Tube: youtube.com/channel/UC3J7x2rBvUxB6S-2HOAmH2g

Watch the trailer below

The Cape Town City Ballet won’t let the COVID-19 pandemic throw them off balance in their quest to “reach for the stars.” The company has launched a project aimed at giving online tutoring to children from the Zolani Township in Ashton in the Boland. This in honour of former statesman, Nelson Mandela, and in response to a call made by South African born international dancer and choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November.

CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET INVESTS IN YOUNG DANCERS WITH 67 PIROUETTES FOR MANDELA DAY

Dancers from Cape Town City Ballet are pirouetting their way into Mandela Day to help young dancers get access to data and learning opportunities.

CTCB has released a fun short video of the company’s dancers performing 67 pirouettes to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, and mark the start of their initiative of providing resources to young dancers in Zolani.

The campaign was inspired by the call from London-based dancer and emerging choreographer Mthuthuzeli November to raise funds to create a space for the community in Zolani, where he is from in South Africa, by joining his online M22 Movement Lab classes on a pay-as-you-can basis. In his Instagram post, November said he had received messages that young community members were falling behind with their dance training and school work due to lack of access to a space to dance and reliable internet connection.

CTCB is supporting the call by arranging for 67 gigabytes worth of internet access to members of the Zolani community, to help them access online learning opportunities. The Company members will also be contributing 67 hours of their work time through the remainder of the year, towards investing in the holistic training of the young dancers – including facilitating online dance and movement sessions, as well as sharing insights and practical skills.

“Dance training is more than learning steps and perfecting technique, it is a standard of discipline, an approach to life and work,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “Training for young dancers can instil so much, and we’re more aware of this than ever as we see young dancers struggling in these difficult times, without the sense of structure and community that their dance training environments afford them ordinarily. Dance is an inspirational activity – it also forges friendships and support groups, builds confidence, a sense of purpose and community, and assists with skills that can be applied throughout all aspects of life. We are honoured to be supporting the call by Mthuthuzeli, who is an incredible role model with his immense talent and commitment to giving back – exactly the qualities that we are called to embody on Mandela Day, and every day.”

South African born Mthuthuzeli November trained at Dance For All (an outreach programme founded in 1991 under the auspices of then-CAPAB) and the Cape Academy of Performing Arts. He performed professionally nationally and internationally with the Cape Dance Company before traveling to the UK to tour with Ballet Central, Central School of Ballet’s touring company. In 2015, he joined Ballet Black as First Year Apprentice, and was promoted to Junior Artist in 2016 where he created roles in Arthur Pita’s Cristaux and Christopher Hampson’s Storyville. He made his first ballet for Ballet Black, Interrupted in July 2016. November was recently nominated for a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production for his work Ingoma for Ballet Black. He was due to be in Cape Town this August, to add two of his works to the Cape Town City Ballet repertoire.

To view the Cape Town City Ballet 67 Pirouettes visit:
Facebook: @ctcityballet
Instagram: @CapeTownCityBallet
Twitter: @BalletCape

Fiona Gordon has been appointed as General Manager of Cape Town City Ballet.

Fiona is a respected, experienced arts manager, who has worked across a broad range of projects, festivals and cultural agencies, assisting businesses and organistions to ‘make things happen’.

Since 2014, she has been the Managing Director of Creative Fix, developing strategies and providing support to clients in the cultural, creative and entrepreneurial sectors.

Highlights of her career include working with organisations such as the National Arts Festival, the South African pavilion at the Venice Biennale, the South African Cultural Observatory, Hatch Ideas UK, The Arts and Culture Trust, UJ Arts & Culture, the National School of the Arts, Jade Bowers Design & Management and a number of industry-specific conferences.

Fiona studied towards a Bachelor of Music in Dance (UCT), and a Masters in Cultural Policy and Management (Wits). She grew up in the Eastern Cape, the youngest of six children, and has spent her career working from Cape Town and Johannesburg on South African and international projects.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Fiona to the Cape Town City Ballet family,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet. “She is an astute arts manager, who brings with her a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience that will be a great asset to the Company. Fiona has an in-depth understanding of the arts sector, and with the added combination of her administrative wizardry and can-do attitude, she will be a wonderful support in moving us through this time of transition and into the future.”

“Dance, and ballet in particular, has always been my biggest passion. Cape Town is the home of my heart, so to be back in the City working with Cape Town City Ballet is a dream come true. Having worked as the first manager of The Ballet Shop, it also feels like I am coming full-circle!” says Fiona. “I am looking forward to working with this talented group of dancers and dynamic creative team to keep bringing the magic of ballet to as wide an audience as possible.”

Let laughter feed your soul, and then take a moment to donate to help feed the most vulnerable among us during this devastating pandemic.

Listen to full interview with Pippa Hudson and CEO, Debbie Turner
omny.fm/afternoons-with-pippa-hudson/ballerinas-in-lockdown

Renowned South African ballet master, Johaar Mosaval, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town in March 2020.
news.uct.ac.za/honorary-encore-for-renowned-south-african-ballet-master

What’s in store after lockdown
broadwayworld.com/south-africa/Interview-with-Debbie-Turner

Productions & Events related information regarding COVID-19 
stageandscreen.co.za/covid-19-updates

Cape Town City Ballet’s Autumn Season has been postponed, to be rescheduled at a date to be announced in due course – litnet.co.za/cape-town-city-ballets-autumn-season-postponed

All arts events cancelled due to Coronavirus
weekendspecial.co.za/arts-events-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus

The health and well-being of our audiences, dancers and staff remain our number one responsibility – broadwayworld.com/Cape-Town-City-Ballets-Autumn-Season-Postponed

Cape Town City Ballet’s productions of the new triple bill postponed to a later date
artlink.co.za/news_article

We join members of our industry in being saddened and concerned at the current situation, but are unwaveringly committed to doing all we can to keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of new infections and ‘flatten the curve’ – 48hours.co.za/cape-town-city-ballets-autumn-season