Local dancers to share stage with American stars
JOBURG - Two South African dancers have been invited to join the cast of Stars of American Ballet for their June performances.
Kitty Phetla and Leroy Mokgatle will perform alongside acclaimed dancers, who have performed with New York City Ballet and other leading American companies, at Montecasino’s Teatro.
They will also perform at Stars of American Ballet in the Bush at Legend Golf and Safari Resort in Limpopo.
Ballet entrepreneur Dirk Badenhorst described Phetla as one of South Africa’s “most unique dancers”.
“An admired performer, talented choreographer and as SA’s only black ballerina, [Phetla is] a major role model and inspiration to thousands of young South Africans,” he said.
“Phetla will perform Nikiya’s Lament from the Russian classic, La Bayadere, 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 Bayadere to Joburg Theatre in September.”
Mokgatle, all of 14 years old, has already made an impact on audiences in South Africa and abroad.
He won a silver medal at the SA International Ballet Competition in Cape Town in February, and a bronze medal at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York in April.
Youth America Grand Prix is the world’s largest international ballet competition.
“Mokgatle’s achievement was a proud moment, not only for him, but for all South Africans,” said Badenhorst.
“[His] participation in Stars of American Ballet galas symbolises the passing on of the baton from today’s great dancers to the dancers of the future. He will perform the solo from Satanella that helped him win medals in Cape Town and New York…”
Along with highlights from major classics such as Le Corsaire, Don Quixote and Diana and Actaeon, the 12 visiting American dancers will also perform works not previously seen in South Africa.
The performances will also feature works by legendary choreographer George Balanchine, including his Broadway-inspired classic, the Who Cares Suite.
Stars of American Ballet will run from 20 until 22 June at The Teatro, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.
Details: Computicket 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com
