Prepare to be moved. Why? Because, this March, the South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) has once again brought the hauntingly romantic tale of one of the world’s best-known ballets, Swan Lake, to the stage of The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre (formally known as The Civic Theatre).
Since it was first seen in South Africa, thanks to a production by the Johannesburg Festival Ballet Society in 1957, Swan Lake has become a favourite with regular ballet-goers and supporters of our country’s wonderfully talented ballet dancers.
Woman & Home Evening at the Theatre – 13 March 2010
One of my all time favourite ballets, Swan Lake is such a beautiful story told by our exquisite ballet dancers in a way that, since I was a little girl, continues to remind me of just how I would love to be loved by a wonderful man one day!
I’ve seen this ballet many times and on each occasion that I have, the SABT somehow manages to make it feel like a whole new ballet with subtle changes to the choreography, costumes and set designs. I was thrilled to see that it would be staged again this year and when I read that Woman and Home’s event team was organising an ”Evening at the Theatre”, I purchased my tickets before I even had time to squeal!
What a wonderful idea to organise an evening at the ballet! The staff of
Woman and Home Magazine organised a lovely evening in support of the extraordinary talent that the SABT is nurturing and encouraging in this country.
A fabulous goodie bag, glass of wine, Ferero Rocher choccie or two (*wink*) and a wonderfully warm welcome made this evening out all the more extra special!
The Ballet
As a timeless tale, Swan Lake is a love story that lingers within the heart like few others and remains one of most endearing ballets for audiences the world-over. Beautiful and poignant, Swan Lake tells of a love torn apart by betrayal and deception. The story is told in a way that desperately clings to the notion of an eternal, innocent love that is destined to be, despite the odds, and strongly defies selfishly hurtful actions in order to be set free, leaving audiences with a hope that lingers in the heart whispering ‘love indeed conquers all’.
SABT
Just like the young lovers of this ballet, the SABT has defied the odds too since its establishment in 2001, developing a company that has brought to ballet audiences countrywide an opportunity to see the beauty and skill of this very special art form. In order to bring the very best South African ballerinas and productions to audiences everywhere, the company has extended its knowledge and level of experience through teaching, training and initiating creative funding strategies. It’s an absolute pleasure to support them!
Dates to Diarise
This year’s performances of Swan Lake, which commenced on 12 March 2010, are certain to warm the hearts of regular ballet-goers and newcomers alike!
Swan Lake is on at The Joburg Theatre until
4 April 2010. Tickets cost between
R50– R270 each. Bookings are available through
Computicket.
The SABT will be staging the production of Carmen – The Ballet between 13 and 29 August 2010. Bookings can be made at
Computicket.
(All images from the SABT website)
