Lively ballet

THERE was a time when classical dance such as ballet was associated with the privileged classes in the country, especially those from well-to-do families, to the exclusion of the poor.

Given this country's history of inequality, the poor usually meant black people from the townships, while the rich and privileged meant those from the suburbs, and often whites.

Now the country is changing, and the definition of who is poor and who is rich does not have a clear racial conotation.

Opportunities have also opened up in traditionally white-dominated artistic disciplines and spaces, such as ballet.

Just a few years ago I used to make my weekly trek to the South African Ballet Theatre's magnificent dance studios in the Joburg Theatre complex in Braamfontein.

Lured by the sound of the tromping feet of talented and dedicated young dancers at various levels of this demanding dance discipline, my eyes were opened to a new world in dance.

I got to know the efforts of many young people, especially from the townships, trying hard to break new ground in dance, even breaking down walls and doors that have traditionally separated them from the privileged few that have historically enjoyed exposure to this magnificent dance discipline.

One of these young people I got to talk to is Andile Ndlovu from Eldorado Park.

At the time he was one of the shining stars that seasoned dancers at SABT were grooming, and he was starting to get serious and challenging roles in some of the company's prominentproductions.

Yes, it is the same Andile, who is currently making waves in the travelling production of Don Quixote, which has already had acclaimed performances in Durban and is heading to the stages of Johannesburg soon.

Presented by Mzansi Productions, the ballet benefits immensely from substantial input from Cuba, promising to make this scintillating classic one of the highlights of SA ballet in recent years. This full-length production of Don Quixote marks a new high point in Mzansi Productions director Dirk Badenhorst's already well-established ties with Cuban ballet.

Don Quixote showcases no fewer than 17 Cuban dancers. With their stylish classical technique they are applauded as the finest performers of this great bravura classic of the international ballet repertoire.

Also joining the Mzansi Productions dancers and the Cuban contingent are Australian Aaron Smyth and Canadian Alys Shee.

The new production of Don Quixote is being staged by Angela Malan, admired SA ballerina as well as Mzansi Productions ballet mistress and coach, in collaboration with Ana Julia Bermudez and NorMaria Olaechea, teachers at the celebrated National Ballet School of Cuba.

This dance story is based on an episode in Cervantes' epic novel and set in bustling Barcelona, featuring some of the most celebrated showpieces in all ballet, the most famous of which is the virtuoso Don Quixote Pas de Deux.

Don Quixote has already been performed in Durban and the Johannesburg performances will be at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, from October 13 to October 23 on selected dates.