Stars of American ballet entertain at Teatro
FOURWAYS - The Stars of American Ballet made their way to the Teatro stage at Montecasino to perform for a South African audience.
American ballet dancers were joined by South African-based dancers, Kitty Phetla and Leroy Mokgatle who danced alongside acclaimed visiting dancers who have performed with New York City Ballet and other leading companies in the Americas. Stars of American Ballet is directed by Joaquin de Luz, principal with the New York City Ballet and one of the leading male dancers in the world today.
The audience was treated to pieces such as Le Corsaire, Don Quixote and Diana and Actaeon, as well as works which have not previously been seen in South Africa. American ballet choreographer George Balanchine showcased his broadway-inspired classic, the Who Cares Suite.
Phetla of Joburg Ballet, is one of SA’s most unique dancers: an admired performer, talented choreographer and, as South Africa’s only black ballerina, a role model and inspiration to thousands of young South Africans. She performed Nikiya’s Lament from the Russian classic, La Bayadère, offering audiences a tantalising glimpse of a highlight from the sumptuous ballet which will be seen in a full scale production when Joburg Ballet brings La Bayadère to the Joburg Theatre in September.
Mokgatle’s participation in the Stars of American Ballet galas symbolised the passing on of the baton from today’s great dancers to the dancers of the future. He performed the solo from Satanella, which helped him win medals in Cape Town and New York earlier this year.
Details: www.joburgballet.com
