New Joburg Ballet CEO appointed
JOBURG – Joburg Ballet officially announces its new chief executive officer.
Acting chairperson of Joburg Ballet’s board of directors, James Campbell, has announced that Esther Nasser will be the new chief executive officer of the company as from 1 August.
Nasser will replace former chief executive officer, Dirk Badenhorst, who was suspended by the board in August and subsequently resigned in November.
South African-born and educated, Nasser will bring an in-depth knowledge of dance and extensive experience in dance company management to her new position.
From 1988 to 2000, Nasser was artistic director of the State Theatre Dance Company, one of South Africa’s most highly-acclaimed dance companies, and in 2008 filled the same role at Mzansi Productions.
Beginning in 1982, she also directed a number of independent dance companies including Movement Inc, Jozi Dance Company and Tshwane Dance Theatre, as well as being invited to work with many South African dance and ballet companies, re-staging works by respected international choreographers.
As a choreographer, Nasser has created an extensive repertoire of new works to both commissioned and existing music and soundtracks, winning several awards for her choreography.
She became involved in transforming dance and theatre before South Africa achieved democracy in 1994 and remains actively involved in the process. Nasser has established community and outreach projects and also won the Gauteng Achievement Community/Outreach Award in 1999.
Nasser has also taught and lectured at leading South African universities and technikons, and has choreographed and directed extensively for TV.
Campbell said, “The board of directors of Joburg Ballet welcomes Esther Nasser as the ballet company’s chief executive officer. We look forward to having her as part of the Joburg Ballet family and believe her many years of experience can make an important contribution to the continued growth and well-being of the company.”
Commenting on her appointment, Nasser said, “It is indeed an honour to have been offered this privileged position and I look forward to working with Joburg Ballet and both the Joburg Ballet and Joburg Theatre boards in moving the company forward to meet new challenges.”
