Latest news with #JoburgBallet
News24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘Ballet saved my life after I tried to kill myself at 17'
When he was 17, David Maluleka tried to end his life. He describes that time as full of chaos – his father was in and out of hospital because of epilepsy, and when he was at home he'd abuse alcohol. This would lead to violent outbursts where he'd raise his voice and get physical with his mom and siblings. It was during this dark period that David, from Hammanskraal in Johannesburg, turned to ballet as an escape. He found solace and purpose in movement. That was nine years ago, and although he took up ballet relatively late, it came naturally and he was good at it – so good that today he is a professional ballet dancer. The 26-year-old recently moved back to Johannesburg from Cape Town to work for his dream company, Joburg Ballet. He will soon perform with both Cape Town City Ballet and Joburg Ballet in Tchaikovsky's classic, Swan Lake – his biggest performance yet – with shows from 4-13 July at Joburg Theatre and 25-27 July at the Cape Town Convention Centre. David tells YOU his story. When I was 13 my family moved to Kenilworth in Cape Town. My dad was a police officer investigating a high-profile case and for safety reasons we had to move to a new province. Growing up my dad had always suffered from epilepsy. I witnessed him having many seizures that would land him in hospital. He also suffered from mental breakdowns and would spend months in a mental institution. READ MORE| MY STORY | 'I found my purpose and a passion for cooking behind bars' Then at about 15, his health began to deteriorate significantly and he became frustrated with his condition. This led to alcohol abuse, which had a devastating snowball effect on our family. When my dad got drunk he'd use our home as a punching bag – and that came as a shock to me because in my younger years I had been raised in a loving home. As the abuse continued I began looking for an outlet. It was during this time, when I was in Grade 11 at Oaklands High School, that I met my former dance teacher, Agatha Manuel. One afternoon I decided to attend one of her classes – and I instantly fell in love with ballet. But at the same time things started to feel overwhelming and unbearable – I felt like I had no purpose and that dying would be better. It was 2015 and I was 17 when my dad had an outburst over a weekend. On the Sunday morning I woke up and took all his chronic medication. I threw it in a cereal bowl, made breakfast and ate it. A few hours later I took my bowl to the kitchen and then collapsed at the front door. I woke up three days later in ICU. READ MORE| 'It was a bloodbath': Joburg mom saves daughters from vicious dog attack While in hospital I realised how much I missed dancing. So when I was discharged and went back to school I'd spend my afternoons in ballet classes, where I was able to dance without having to think about what was happening at home. My dance teacher helped me join Dance For All studio, a non-profit organisation (NPC) that empowers disadvantaged children and youth through dance – and there I got to hone my skills. In 2016, during my matric year, my dad resigned, bought my mom a house in Paarl and my parents separated. PHOTO: Lauge Sorensen After matric I earned a tertiary scholarship to study at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts. I graduated in theatre and performing arts in 2020. A year later, I started my internship with the Cape Town City Ballet graduate programme. I got a permanent job and worked there for three years before relocating to Joburg at the beginning of this year. Looking back I realise that had it not been for dance, I don't think I would have survived that period in my life because whenever I felt overwhelmed I would just dance. I always knew dance would be my way out and that one day I'd go professional and have enough money to help my mom, Violet, take care of my younger siblings, Kristena, Daniel and Candice. Show Comments ()
eNCA
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
World's most famous ballet to grace SA stages
JOHANNESBURG - Joburg Ballet and Cape Town City Ballet have announced a joint production of Swan Lake. It will run in the two cities in July. Established stars and exciting newcomers are waiting in the wings to dance the leading roles in this classic. It marks the first time in almost 30 years that the two leading companies are joining forces. It will make it possible to present this ballet on a grand scale seldom seen in South Africa.
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
This week in Joburg: captivating ballet and youth productions take the spotlight
'Carmen' unpacks themes of love, jealousy and betrayal. Image: Facebook Carmen The Joburg Ballet presents this production of 'Carmen', which is a reimagining of the classic story. It features a range of dance styles such as flamenco, ballet and Pantsula. The show is choreographed by Manuel Buzón Ruiz from Madrid's University of Juan Carlos, in collaboration with Mzansi Ballet's own Angela Revie. Some of the themes which 'Carmen' unpacks are love, jealousy and betrayal, which will be set to the music of Georges Bizet. Where: The Pieter Toerien theatre at Montecasino. When: Runs until June 29. Show times differ. The Nutcracker Ballet Christmas is coming to Joburg this July with this show by Mzansi Ballet's Junior Company. The beloved classic centres around a youngster named Clara, who, at her magical Christmas party, embarks on a journey through the sparkling Land of Snow to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Featuring the organisation's dancers, this ballet captures the spirit of Christmas while young talents breathe new life into the Tchaikovsky-composed and Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov-choreographed story. Where: The Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre at Montecasino. When: Saturday, June 28, at 7pm. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Matilda The Musical Jr This play, based on Roald Dahl's classic book, tells the story of Matilda, a gifted little girl with telekinetic powers. Directed by Jill Girard, the leading role will be alternated between 10-year-olds, Amira Nathan, Zia Kani and Peo-entle Pitso. Where: The People's Theatre at the Joburg Theatre. When: Currently until July 27. Show times differ, depending on the day.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Live theatre performances should be treasured
Less than a minute Elsje Vermeulen Less than a minute Live theatre performances should be treasured This three-part showcase by Joburg Ballet was performed last Saturday and Sunday at the Etienne Rousseau Theatre in Sasolburg. DreamScapes comprises three ballets, making up a transformative triple bill that showcases Joburg Ballet's versatility and commitment to celebrating heritage, artistry, and innovation. The production won acclaim during its recent season at the Roodepoort Theatre and was undoubtedly a hit with local audiences over the weekend. DreamScapes weaves together the timeless beauty of Les Sylphides, the deeply rooted spiritual narrative The Underworld and Elsewhere, and the electrifying Resonance. Together, these works form a rich tapestry of tradition and creative exploration that results in a dance experience transcending reality's realms. Photos: Elsje Vermeulen Scenes from Les Sylphides Scenes from The Underworld and Elsewhere Scenes from Resonance At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Joburg Ballet's DreamScapes at Etienne Rousseau Theatre
'We are thrilled to be bringing Joburg Ballet's DreamScapes to Sasolburg and performing for new audiences,' says Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell. 'DreamScapes comprises three ballets making up a transformative triple bill that showcases Joburg Ballet's versatility and commitment to celebrating heritage, artistry, and innovation,' added Fillis-Bell. 'The production won acclaim during the recent season at the Roodepoort Theatre, and we are confident that Sasolburg will echo the applause of the Gauteng audiences.' DreamScapes weaves together the timeless beauty of Les Sylphides, a deeply rooted spiritual narrative in Kitty Phetla's new work, The Underworld and Elsewhere, and the electrifying vibrancy and poignant power of human resilience in Dane Hurst's new work, Resonance. Together, these works form a rich tapestry of tradition, identity, and creative exploration, offering audiences an unforgettable dance experience that transcends the realms of reality. DreamScapes information: Venue: Etienne Rousseau Theatre, Sasolburg Dates: Saturday 10 May and Sunday 11 May at 14:00 Ticket prices: R150 – R200 Book at: At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
