Local stars in new ballet show

YOUTH Dance Company of Tshwane (YDCT) will return to the stage in June with a programme designed to showcase the diversity in dance today.

The programme moves from the classics to contemporary and is rounded off by the exploration of the national styles of both Spanish and Russian dance.

Among the dancers is Julie-Leigh Fourie, a grade 6 pupil at Shangri-La Academy.

The programme starts off with the elegant classic Paquita. This work has the discipline and purity of lines required by a classical work with a splash of Spanish flavour in its style and execution.

The company will also revive a 2005 work choreographed by Sue Kirkland. Silent Mask is a contemporary work with a touch of the avant-garde which exposes the dancers to work with a meaningful message, unusual music and a unique style.

As a foretaste of the full length production to be performed at the State Theatre at the end of the year, the programme then moves on to Act 1 from Sleeping Beauty with a special guest performance by Nigel Hannah in the coveted role of Carabosse – the villainous fairy.

Rounding off this diverse programme, the younger members of the company will perform a Russian flavoured national work. Originally created by Anatole Babenko for YDCT’s very first season, this piece has been revamped and extended by Pretoria’s own former leading ballerina, Tanja Graafland, and allows students to showcase their talents.

Two leading males from Joburg Ballet will perform with the company – Carlos Santos from Brazil and Javier Monier from Cuba (recent winner of the silver medal at the Cape Town International Competition.

Tickets for this event are available at Ballet Barre in Groenkloof Shopping Centre (012-346-4311) or Wendy Seymour on 082-783-7378.

Performances will take place at the UNISA Little Theatre, Sunnyside. Show times are June 19 at 7.30pm (R100), June 20 at 5pm (R80) and June 21 at 3pm and 7.30pm (R120).