Joburg Ballet held its Ballet in Braam event on a rooftop in Johannesburg from 27-28 March as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. The sold-out performances aimed to make classical ballet more accessible by using unconventional spaces. An upcoming show is set for today at the Candice Berman Gallery.
Joburg Ballet staged Ballet in Braam on 27-28 March on the rooftop of Play Braam on Juta Street. The Saturday performance sold out, featuring classics like Gisele, contemporary works, and Celestial Bodies choreographed by Mario Gaglione. Artistic director Dane Hurst initiated the event to bring ballet to inner-city audiences unaware of the company.
Hurst explained his vision: “I thought we need to bring ballet out of the theatre and into new spaces and take it to the people... it brings together so many different people from all walks of life.” The show offered a “seven-course tasting menu” of styles, including Camagwini by Tumelo Lekana, fusing pointe work with Xhosa dancing.
Lekana shared his passion: “Having to fuse the African and the European... we are a ballet company in Africa and we are missing that African part of it.” Formed in 2001 after the Pact Ballet closure, Joburg Ballet has grown into one of Africa's largest, drawing international dancers and running a school with over 100 students.
To counter perceptions of ballet as elitist, the company includes interactive sessions. Hurst added: “By us bringing ballet into a different space, it’s showing that it's not an art form that is just for the elite.” Today, four choreographers will perform new pieces at the Candice Berman Gallery in Rosebank, responding to exhibitions; the free event requires RSVP via the 223 App.
