A day at the ballet
03 September 2024
The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department created an opportunity for a group of young people to experience the art of ballet last week when they attended the final dress rehearsal of Cape Town City Ballet for the performance of Winter Dance. It forms part of the Ballet’s 90th Anniversary Gala.
The opportunity to interact with artists and experience performing art in the workspace was created for young people across Cape Town including Delft, Phillipi, Gugulethu, Mitchells' Plain, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Elsies River, Parow, and Athlone.
The programme included the following activities;
- Pre-talk session hosted by Cape Town City Ballet providing context for the production and the development of a storyline
- Post production questions and answers with the artistic staff and dancers
- The final dress rehearsal performance which included the experience of how a production 'operates' in real time both technically and artistically
By hosting the event the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department hoped to contribute towards growing new and diverse audiences in the performing arts sector and raising awareness for the various processes and opportunities in the creative performing arts environment.
'There are many young people who are interested in performing art and especially ballet, who don't often get the opportunity to see the final planning in the production stages before the opening night. Ballet is a wonderful catalyst for experiencing diverse cultures, learning about perseverance, hard work and dedication and how to communicate through dance. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with professionals in the sector through learning and sharing. The programme provided a valuable learning experience and creating a better understanding of ballet as a performing art. We hope that those who attended learned new life skills, people skills and identified opportunities through career exposure', said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
