FROM GAIL JAFFITT LEIBMAN: THEATRE-INFLUENCER-OF-NOTE
…with newly appointed principal dancers Tamlyn Higgins and Revil Yon. What a magnificent partnership. Resounding applause from a FULL HOUSE. The company was on top form and BLUE BIRD pas de deux superbly danced by Monike Cristina and Ruan Galdino was another highlight and Carabosse beautifully executed by Kitty Phetla. Bravo Joburg Ballet. A wonderful opening with magnificent ballet and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit. Princess Aurora was danced by the beautiful Monike Cristina and guest Guillaume Diop as Prince Désiré, dancer etoile from the Paris Opera Ballet. Breathtaking.
TARYN VICTOR: DIARY OF A WHIMSICAL GIRL
Last night we watched The Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre. One of my all-time favourite stories brought to life by the incredible dancers. It was absolutely beautiful. Ruan Galdino and Shannon Glover were exquisite as they performed the lead roles with elegance and heart! We saw a different side to Kitty Phetla as she brought flair to her performance as The Wicked Fairy. This was one of the most beautiful ballets I have seen. The theatre was filled to capacity. Congratulations to Joburg Ballet for another magnificent production.
DAYLE LITTLEFIELD
Today was the final performance of this season's The Sleeping Beauty and what a triumph it was! The sets are simply magnificent and the costumes are exquisite but the dancing was beyond words! Ruan Galdino, you two killed it up there today. Those fish dives were spectacular! Goosebumps! And the cherry on top was the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra's perfect rendition of Tchaikovsky's glorious music.
GALORE SA MEDIA
If you're looking for a magical escape filled with extreme talent, The Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre is a must-see! Masterfully choreographed and performed by a cast that embodies grace and precision. Galore SA Media's 92% rating is well-deserved for a production that manages to capture your imagination and lets you admire the talent the dancers bring to the stage.
JANICE KELVIN LEIBOWITZ: GLITTER AND TOAST
The company, together with guest artists, performed seamlessly to create visual magic. Having the accompaniment of The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra elevated the entire experience to new heights and I felt like I'd been transported back to a time where attending a performance at the theatre was an occasion to be savoured. I must mention the superb guest artist Ryoko Yagyu, principal dancer with Ballet Ireland. She has immense stage presence, and I found her magnetic spark impossible to ignore. Kitty Phetla's portrayal of The Wicked Fairy was a powerful one and it was lovely to see her performing with the company again as a guest artist. Shannon Glover and Ruan Galdino were an enchanting partnership as the Princess and Prince. It was very special to witness the entire company publicly congratulating CEO, Elroy Fillis-Bell, on being named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans.
FROM BRUCE DENNILL:
Click here to read review.
FROM TAMMY BALLANTYNE:
Click here to read review.