Cape Ballet Africa presents an exciting new programme featuring 'Petite Giselle' and 'SALT-ed
Image: Oscar O Ryan
Following two successful sold-out runs at The Drama Factory, Cape Ballet Africa returns, this time to unveil an exciting new programme featuring six performances from 10 to 14 September. This captivating combination showcases the classical ballet Petite Giselle alongside the contemporary dance piece SALT-ed. Audiences are set to experience beloved excerpts from Maina Gielgud's traditional ballet Giselle, fused with Michelle Reid's vibrant choreography in Smoke, a part of the acclaimed triple bill SALT.
This season holds special significance, as it also marks the first South African performances of Kirsten Isenberg's new pas de deux, Nocturne, which made its dazzling debut at the esteemed Benois de la Danse 2025 competition. This promises to enrich an already impressive programme. Cape Ballet Africa is keen to maintain high artistic standards while celebrating cultural heritage through dance.
The exquisite Giselle, choreographed by the esteemed Gielgud, tells a poignant tale of love and betrayal, where the ethereal beauty of the ballet harkens back to the Romantic era. Gielgud herself brings a wealth of international acclaim with a career spanning top dance companies worldwide, including Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet and the Australian Ballet.
"We are honoured to have Ms Gielgud with us to stage her full production of Giselle in November at The Baxter. The timing has aligned perfectly to allow us to offer The Drama Factory audiences highlights from this magnificent ballet," expressed Debbie Turner, the Founder and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa.
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Petitie Giselle
Image: Lustre Art Group
In contrast, Smoke by Michelle Reid introduces a modern energy to the show, complemented by its jazzy undertones. Critics have lauded the choreography as "witty," showcasing a clever play of dynamics that builds excitement as the piece unfolds. Maggie Foyer, writing for Dance Europe, praised it as a fitting climax to the evening's performances.
Founded in 2024 by renowned dance figure Debbie Turner, Cape Ballet Africa aims to create a platform where classical ballet intertwines with the diverse cultural narratives of South Africa. The organisation strives to foster individuality within teamwork, allowing dancers to express their unique heritage while mastering the classical techniques of ballet. This harmonious blend of innovation and tradition forms the bedrock of the company's identity, embodying elegance, refinement, and audacious grace.
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IOL News
19 hours ago
- IOL News
Cape Ballet Africa presents an exciting new programme featuring 'Petite Giselle' and 'SALT-ed
Kayla Schultze in SALT. Image: Oscar O Ryan Following two successful sold-out runs at The Drama Factory, Cape Ballet Africa returns, this time to unveil an exciting new programme featuring six performances from 10 to 14 September. This captivating combination showcases the classical ballet Petite Giselle alongside the contemporary dance piece SALT-ed. Audiences are set to experience beloved excerpts from Maina Gielgud's traditional ballet Giselle, fused with Michelle Reid's vibrant choreography in Smoke, a part of the acclaimed triple bill SALT. This season holds special significance, as it also marks the first South African performances of Kirsten Isenberg's new pas de deux, Nocturne, which made its dazzling debut at the esteemed Benois de la Danse 2025 competition. This promises to enrich an already impressive programme. Cape Ballet Africa is keen to maintain high artistic standards while celebrating cultural heritage through dance. The exquisite Giselle, choreographed by the esteemed Gielgud, tells a poignant tale of love and betrayal, where the ethereal beauty of the ballet harkens back to the Romantic era. Gielgud herself brings a wealth of international acclaim with a career spanning top dance companies worldwide, including Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet and the Australian Ballet. "We are honoured to have Ms Gielgud with us to stage her full production of Giselle in November at The Baxter. The timing has aligned perfectly to allow us to offer The Drama Factory audiences highlights from this magnificent ballet," expressed Debbie Turner, the Founder and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Petitie Giselle Image: Lustre Art Group In contrast, Smoke by Michelle Reid introduces a modern energy to the show, complemented by its jazzy undertones. Critics have lauded the choreography as "witty," showcasing a clever play of dynamics that builds excitement as the piece unfolds. Maggie Foyer, writing for Dance Europe, praised it as a fitting climax to the evening's performances. Founded in 2024 by renowned dance figure Debbie Turner, Cape Ballet Africa aims to create a platform where classical ballet intertwines with the diverse cultural narratives of South Africa. The organisation strives to foster individuality within teamwork, allowing dancers to express their unique heritage while mastering the classical techniques of ballet. This harmonious blend of innovation and tradition forms the bedrock of the company's identity, embodying elegance, refinement, and audacious grace.
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Two Cape Town chefs share their culinary secrets using their fave brews
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Edenvale ballerina Chiara Szabó wins gold at SA ballet competition
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