SABT Babies Shine Like Stars!

I went to the Joburg Theatre this morning just to see if those babies of the SA Ballet Theatre still were as wonderful as they were on opening night when, because of unexpected injuries - and with 15 minutes’ notice - they took over from the star cast and danced themselves into star cast. Well, at this morning’s 11:00 performance, they did it again and even better!
No doubt Shannon Glover is a star. When a dancer has all the technique and poise they become stars if they also has great musical sense. Glover has really got it - every time she beautifully anticipates a note and pulls it from the orchestra pit. All the great ones seem to have this in common.

Sonja Glass, the conductor of the JPO, has become a really fine ballet conductor since opening night. She has gained sensitivity to both the dancers and understands the music so much better. It was pure Tchaikovsky that flowed from that pit today! Congratulations Sonja!

Humberto Montero gave a solid but cautious performance on opening night but, today, excelled himself in the Grand Pas de Deux which really is the Prince’s only big moment in the ballet. And, what a wonderfully supportive dancer he is!

I never mentioned the Lilac Fairy on opening night. That was for no particular reason other than my being overwhelmed by the other young stars. Today I have to mention Nicole Ferreira. Great performance! Brava girl, bravissima!

The Bluebirds were even more a spectacular than on opening night when I thought their performance amazing. Jessica Overton and James Fraser, from Corps de Ballet, once again repeated their flawless performance and young Fraser even bettered his opening night score to 12 /10! Nice lean and strong body he has and that is going to be a real asset to the company in years to come.

All of these babies from the SABT makes one confident for the future.

The SABT company is in the best form it has been for many years. I would have been proud to show any of my international friends this production. It sparkles with excellence, enthusiasm and dedication. Don’t miss it. Quiet a number of performances for the remainder of the week and including coming Sunday. Bookings may be made through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com and for more information contact Edgar at SABT on 011 877 6893 or email edgar@saballettheatre.co.za