BURN THE FLOOR - THE TEMPERATURE RISES TOUR

The enormous popularity and response by the South African public in 2011 has led to the return of BURN THE FLOOR, this time with THE TEMPERATURE RISES TOUR.

BURN THE FLOOR opens at The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on August 1st and runs until August 19th.

Jason Gilkison, director and choreographer of this dance phenomenon, has this to say to the Joburg audiences about THE TEMPERATURE RISES tour: “For those of you that have already had the BURN THE FLOOR experience you need to come back! I have re-choreographed numerous numbers, changed five songs in the show and have re-costumed the second act. The show’s new ending will blow you away, and blow any perceptions you have of Ballroom Dancing. I guarantee that This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Ballroom! Amongst our rebellious cast, you will also witness the rise of a new South African star! I trust you will be back for more!”

Since last year’s tour, South African champion dancer KEOIKANTSE MOTSEPE has joined BURN THE FLOOR as a fully-fledged member of this hit international dance sensation. “Dreams certainly do come true,” according to Keo, undefeated South African Latin American Champion since 2004. Keo’s dance teacher took him to see BURN THE FLOOR at Joburg Theatre last year. “At first I was resistant to see it,” he admits. “But after a few seconds, I realised it was the best dance show I had ever seen. I was blown away to be honest – I can't describe the feeling.” He managed to contact the show’s Peta Roby, auditioned, and has been touring with the company since January 2012. Keo started dancing at the age of five after his best friend suggested they try it out for some fun. At age seven, he knew that it was all he wanted to do for the rest of his life – he was hooked. Keo completed his formal dance training in Latin American and Ballroom and Contemporary at Corenergy Dance Centre, Craighall Park, with Rafick Hoosain and Lorcia Cooper. He has represented South Africa internationally since 2003 in all major Latin Dance Championships and was the South African representative at the World Latin Championships in New York in 2010.

“His family should be proud. His work ethic and commitment to his performance is unquestionable and on the dance floor: simple – he owns it. The South African audiences are in for a real treat.” BURN THE FLOOR - THE TEMPERATURE RISES TOUR has just completed a hugely successful tour of the USA, China and Australia. The show features eighteen international championship dancers - including some of last year’s favourites alongside new sensational dancers. “It takes the performance to a whole new level, feel and energy,” says the show’s creator, Harley Medcalf.

Tickets for BURN THE FLOOR are available from R190 and are on sale now by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling the theatre’s direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670. Shows are at 8pm Tuesdays to Fridays, at 3pm and 8pm on Saturdays and at 2pm and 6pm on Sundays.

Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling the theatre’s ticketing office on (011) 877 6853/4. To heat up those cold winter nights, the producers are offering a fabulous winter package: 20% discounts for a minimum of four tickets for Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm. Pensioners’ discounts are available for Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 2pm and 6pm. A special ‘two for the price of one’ offer is also available for Talk Back Tuesdays, when the dancers stay on stage after the show for a question-and-answer session.

BURN THE FLOOR – THE TEMPERATURE RISES TOUR is presented in South Africa by Dance Partner Productions, M-Net and Jacaranda 94.2fm. Follow the latest Joburg Theatre news on Twitter - @joburgtheatre gives you all the latest information, special offers as well as news from behind the scenes of Joburg’s world class theatre.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Collett Dawson 082 653 1338 collett@joburgtheatre.com

The Perfect Season! SA Ballet Theatre Star Shining Bright!

It is not for nothing that our family motto reads: Le Coq à chanté de bon matin! There I was - this holy Sunday morning - attending yet another performance of the SABT’s Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre which, for all intents and purposes, has become my church. And, believe me: It was worth the earlier rise!

In today’s cast we saw the exquisite principal, Burnise Silvius, dancing an Aurora as she had never danced the role before! Arms, hands, feet – every elegant extension – were absolutely flawless. Coupled to her beautiful technique, Silvius is also intensely musical and well on her way to earning the title of prima ballerina assoluta. She is, without any doubt in my mind, the company’s star.
Today was the third time during this season that I saw young Humberto Montero dancing. This boy’s Prince Florimund had just become better and better during the course of this season. He is a really competent dancer and any ballerina, I am sure, would love to dance with a partner that shows off the very best of her!

ChloéGrové as the Lilac Fairy is so beautiful and so delicious and so very very good! What more can I say Chloé?

In the pit was Sonja Bass, making a small JPO sound HUGE! Yes, girl, you now work that Tchaikovsky like a seasoned ballet conductor! This Madam had evolved from a very fast-paced and, at times, hectic opening night (it was a first ballet night for her!) to a remarkably sensitive and supportive Maestra, never taking her eyes off the dancers while controlling simultaneously the musicians with an iron baton! Had it not been for the sumptuous and scrumptious Sleeping Beauty that the SABT so magnificently unfolded on that stage this morning I could happily have sat with my eyes closed just listening to the exquisite tones of that JPO Big Band Sound!

To Trish Downing and Iain MacDonald: Good Stuff!

To the Company: Thank you for all the pleasures you gave me this season!

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

A Star is Born! SABT Triumphs!

Soloist, Shannon Glover, catapulted to the status of Principal Dancer in an opening night in which she suddenly was thrust into the role of Princess Aurora in this superb production of the SA Ballet Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela Auditorium.
It was an opening night of great excitements as Glover and Humberto Montero - with 15 minutes’ notice - took over the leads from the company’s opening night stars, Burnise Silvius and the visiting Australian guest star who injured his calve just before the curtain went up.

And, it was an absolutely beautiful performance! The SABT hasn’t been in such great form for many many years! It was a total delight to see the company dance in the spectacular costumes and absolutely charming sets by the late Anthony Farmer who was in his late eighties when he designed this breathtaking production many many years ago! It is a feather in the cap for all concerned that the original masterpiece has been so beautifully preserved!

But, the star of the night was no doubt Ms Glover who had worked her way through the ranks since 2004 she was accepted onto The South African Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Programme and during her Graduate year performed the solo in ‘Kopano’ and the role of Clara (including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) in ‘The Nutcracker’. In 2005 she was accepted into SABT as a member of the corps de ballet. And, she has shone brightly ever since.

Shannon was promoted from Senior Solist to Principal after the performance. Good move SABT!
As he stepped onto the stage in Act III as Prince Florimund, Humberto Montero appeared to be cautious but he gave a solid performance and truly showed off the beaming Aurora in the plethora of fish dives – beautifully executed and to thunderous applause! And, the audience roared with delight quiet often – from the Blue Bird Pas de Deux through to the Cats and Little Red Riding Hood with her Wolf – we had endless fun and delight on an evening of rare ballet de leux

Here I need to make mention of two of the company's baby-members - two dancers from the Corps de Ballet who gave an absolutely flawless performance as the Bluebirds. This is one of the most demanding Pas de Deux in the entire ballet repertoire and no gala night is without it. Jessica Overton and James Fraser were absolutely flawless when they danced this very difficult show stopper - and they did stop the show! What an achievement! Here are two future stars!
During the current season of this fairytale ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, the delight will be more than before as three well-known theatre couples add their own slight and charm to the performances with a number of guest appearances during the run.

From 30 September to 16 October 2011, theatrical star couples such as Des and Dawn Lindberg; Michael De Pinna and Carolyn Steyn (nee Barkhuizen); and Lena Ferugia and Robert Davies will grace the stage (as the royal king and queen in respective performances) along with the dancers from the SABT.

The SABT company includes stars such as principal dancer Burnise Silvius and international guest artist Adam Thurlow, his second time performing with The SABT, who will dance in the principal roles, and local guest artists Yolandi Olckers and Turiso Magongwa performing the Bluebird couple.

Based on the original Marius Petipa choreography, The Sleeping Beauty promises is a memorable family entertainment experience.

Des and Dawn Lindberg are well known throughout South Africa for their work as entertainers, singers and theatre producers over the past four decades. Dawn studied ballet with Sheila Wartzki, and has a teacher’s diploma in the Cecchetti method. She also studied contemporary dance in Detroit USA and danced with Bluma Rubin and Rhoda Orlin.

Dawn, together with Artistic Director Iain MacDonald, looked regal and enjoyed this rather unusual stage appearance thoroughly!

Michael de Pinna and Carolyn Steyn co-present the radio show Whispers on Radio Today where they regularly interview celebrities and Film-making couple Lena Ferugia and Robert Davies is indeed fit for their roles as on stage royals.

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany for this very special ballet season, except for performances on 6, 7 and 13 October, when it will be danced to recorded music. The conductor for the JPO for this production is Sonja Bass, her first time conducting for the ballet.

Ticket prices for The Sleeping Beauty range from R50 to R320, except for the Sunday morning (11am) performances, when all tickets are just R110 - an affordable and family treat that cannot be missed - be it by a balletomane or just someone who loves the beautiful!

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

"THE CHILLI BOY" ROMPS BACK TO JOZI

"The Chilli Boy" – one of the most successful shows in South African history – is back in Johannesburg. Geraldine Naidoo’s surreal and groundbreaking play has come a long way since it premiered nine years ago at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This theatrical phenomenon has kept South African audiences flocking to theatres over the past few years and also had a successful run as one of the shows selected as part of the "West End Festival of Performance" in London in 2007.

"The Chilli Boy" is the hilarious portrayal of an old Indian woman reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg. At the age of 30, the gangster starts suffering flashbacks from his previous life as an Indian woman. These visions prompt him to don a sari while cooking delicious Indian curries and biryanis. He no longer wants to brawl his way around the streets of Boksburg as his newly discovered maternal instincts start to determine his behaviour. His tough reputation is threatened by the resultant turmoil.

Naidoo has created a play that tackles issues of cultural identity, racial difference and masculinity in an extraordinary and highly entertaining way.

“The play continues to attract huge audiences from across the vast racial and cultural spectrum that constitutes contemporary South African society,” Naidoo said.

While Naidoo's conception, writing and direction have been lauded as brilliant, it is the masterful performance of multi-award winning actor Matthew Ribnick that has had audiences gasping for breath.

“Many audience members describe Ribnick as a “cultural chameleon”. In just over an hour, he skilfully snaps back and forth between characters ranging from the ordinary to the bizarre,” Naidoo said.

Bouts of raucous laughter are punctuated with poignant moments of absolute sincerity as the audience comes to grips with a remarkable story told by a “madman” with a few hats.

"The Chilli Boy" is on at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from October 5 until November 6.

Shows run weekly at 20:00 from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with a 15:00 matinee on Sundays. Ticket prices are R130 for all shows. Group discounts are available by contacting the Joburg Theatre on 011 877 6854. The show is not suitable for persons under the age of 12.

Bookings can be made through www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre’s ticketing call centre 0861 670 670.



Media Queires:
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006
Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004
Nominated in 2008 as one of SA top 10 PR Agencies by the advertising industry publication The Annual
Finalist in the category Sponsorship by a small Business for an Arts Project in the 2009 Business and Arts South Africa Awards

The Sleeping Beauty

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) presents the magical fairytale ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the Joburg Theatre from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 16th 2011.
Based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, and set to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this season will feature SABT stars such as Principal dancer Burnise Silvius, international guest artists Lily-Ann Bones, Daniel Convery and Australian Adam Thurlow who returns to SABT for his second guest appearance.

Also appearing in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are a host of surprise local celebrities in the roles of the King and Queen as well as members of the SABT Academy and SABT Development Schools.

The well – known fairy tale of the spell placed on Princess Aurora by the evil fairy Carabosse, is told in four acts with appearances by the Lilac Fairy, Puss in Boots, the Bluebird couple and of course, Little Red Riding Hood.

The season is accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (except for performances on October 6th, 7th and 13th which are performed to a recorded score) under the baton of Sonja Bass. This season marks the first time that SABT works with a female conductor.

The production is suitable for ages three and up.

SABT is the country’s foremost professional ballet company and has established itself as a major player in the performing arts with impressive productions of classical ballets, new works by South African choreographers and collaborations across international boundaries. 2011 marks the Company’s tenth anniversary.
Bookings for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com.

SABT management has endeavoured to keep ticket prices for the 18 performances as low as possible with prices ranging from just R50 to R320. All tickets for the Sunday morning performances at 11h00 are R110.

For additional information please visit www.saballettheatre.co.za

PRINCIPAL CASTING:
Please note that this cast list is subject to change
PRINCESS AURORA PRINCE FLORIMUND LILAC FAIRY
Friday 30 September @ 8pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 1 October @ 3pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Saturday 1 October @ 8pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Chloé Grové
Sunday 2 October @ 3pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Thursday 6 October @ 11:00am Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Thursday 6 October @ 7.30pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Friday 7 October @ 8pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Chloé Grové
Saturday 8 October @ 3pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 8 October@ 8pm Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Sunday 9 October @ 11am Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Nicole Ferreira
Sunday 9 October @ 3pm Lauryn Summerley Jonathan Rodrigues Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Thursday 13 October @ 11.00am Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Thursday 13 October @ 19:30 Lauryn Summerley Jonathan Rodrigues Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Friday 14 October @ 8pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 15 October @ 3pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Saturday 15 October @ 8pm Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Sunday 16 October @ 11am Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Sunday 16 October @ 3pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Nicole Ferreira
ENDS
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PHOTO: BURNISE SILVUS AS AURORA Photographer: John Hogg.

SABT Fans SABTZA

DANCE OF DESIRE

IF YOU LOVED RIVERDANCE
LORD OF THE DANCE
AND
SPIRIT OF THE DANCE
YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
DANCE OF DESIRE

For the first time in South Africa, Joburg Theatre is proud to present the exclusive visit of DANCE OF DESIRE on the Mandela stage from May 3rd until May 22nd 2011.

Complete with entirely original music and choreography DANCE of DESIRE is undoubtedly unique in its imaginative design. This ground breaking Irish production challenges the boundaries of other Irish dance productions and has uniquely elevated the world of Irish dance to a new level. DANCE of DESIRE is also one of a select few Irish resident and touring dance productions which was actually produced in Ireland and has received critical acclaim not just abroad but also at home in Ireland where creative distinction is reserved for only those who excel amongst their peers within the Irish music and dance traditions.

The show has a cast of 25 performers and comprises world and Irish champion dancers and a selection of Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos. It has already played to sell out audiences from Beijing to Berlin, Chicago to the Czech Republic, Kuala Lumpur to Paris and just finished a nine-month residency in Jupiter’s Casino, Gold Coast Australia.

The accumulative skills and talents of the costume, set and lighting designers has insured too that the power and passion of the shows story-line devised by Sean Quinlan is conveyed to the audience in a realistic and all encapsulating manner. While the choreography described as “outstanding and extremely innovative” speaks for itself in terms of the heights it reaches and the boundaries that it crosses.

DANCE OF DESIRE has birthed and lives in a post-Riverdance world. What is important is that it is not a sonic mirror of the now world famous Bill Whelan musical score, but brings a fresh spirit to bear on the story. In doing so, DANCE OF DESIRE is opening further doors for the continuation of the new professionalism of Irish dance… DANCE OF DESIRE brings an upbeat joy to the lives of so many through his professionalism and musical inventiveness.

DANCE OF DESIRE is the national dance company in Ireland where Riverdance was born. “We supply them with their dancers and many of the Riverdance current dancers came from us,” says Michael Carr, Executive Producer. We are the parent company who trains the dancers.”

Tickets are priced from R171 and are on sale now exclusively by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com and purchasing your print-at-home ticket on the internet, or by calling the theatre’s new direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.

Tickets for Joburg Theatre’s shows no longer add the traditional ticketing agency booking fee, so the price you see advertised is the price you pay. Subsequently, the theatre’s tickets are no longer available at Computicket.

For further information, please contact:
COLLETT DAWSON
082 653 1338 / collett.dawson@absamail.co.za

STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER

Get ready to be dazzled! For the first time in South Africa and direct from their smash UK Tour, the adrenalin-driven STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER took to the stage exclusively at The Mandela at JoBurg Theatre from last week to March 6th 2011. The audience loved the production and danced in the aisles as the final curtain came down.

Brought to Johannesburg by Spirit Productions - the people that brought us two of Joburg Theatre’s highest-grossing and most popular shows of the past decade: SPIRIT OF THE DANCE and LE GRAND CIRQUE, - the internationally renowned cast in this tap dance sensation takes the audience on a whistle stop roller-coaster ride of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history.

South African ‘super-celebrity’ and African Tap and Modern Dance Champion for seven straight years, the very glamorous AMOR VITTONE also makes a nightly guest appearance – and, I must say, that however much I have loathed her performances and lack of class in the past, in this show she is brilliant! Good for you Amor and watch her dust Joost! She couldn’t be yours, she’s is way too big for you now!

Starting in the era when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were the stars of the day, the show tap dances its way through history, thrilling and exciting audiences with the vibrant tap dance styles that entertained generations through the ages! Featuring fantastic musical classics mashed with modern day beat, these taps build with energy and spectacle. Acapella tap sounds can be heard as the show opens and - as the taps build - so does the energy and spectacle. Soon you discover there is so much more than tap to this show: swing, jive and sensational singers add to the cocktail of pure showbiz heaven.

Joining the cast of the show at the JoBurg Theatre is crowd favourite, SIMON SCHOFIED. This singer thrilled audiences as part of The Twelve Tenors in February 2010 and proved so popular with those who saw him perform, that he was invited to return to South Africa in May to record the main love theme for the popular local teen movie, BAKGAT! 2 which was released to great success in September.

Says Simon "I fell in love with South Africa and its people during my first visit to your wonderful country a year ago, and even then I planned to return as often as my schedule allowed. I'm thrilled to be able to join the cast of Strictly Tap Dance Fever so that I can once again experience the joy of performing for JoBurg Theatre audiences. It is great to re-connect with this enthusiastic audience again every night."

Joining Simon on stage to divide the vocals is the talented JON HAWKINS and impressive LARA DENNING.

To date, Amor Vittone, has released six albums; Wild Cherry Kisses (1998), Dance in Colours (2000), Young Forever (2002), amor (2005), Voluit (2006) and Glo Altyd Aan More (2009). The Voluit Afrikaans album enjoyed Gold Status in South Africa.

In 2007, Amor was nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) in the category ‘Best Afrikaans Pop Album’. She was nominated for People Magazine’s Crystal Award in the category ‘Hottest SA Artist’ in 2007, a Tempo Music Award in the category ‘Favourite SA Female Artist’, and Voluit Lewe was nominated as ‘Favourite Song of the Year’. In the Vonk Musiektoekennings in 2007, Amor was nominated as ‘Best Female Artist.’

“I am very honoured and excited to be part of this show,” says Amor. “I started off my career in theatre, so returning to my first passion, which is tap dancing, is wonderful. I’m looking forward to be working with an international choreographer and director and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to get back on the stage where I belong.”

Amor is also currently presenting her own radio show on Jacaranda 94.2fm, between 10am and 2pm on Sundays.

Performances of STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER must close on Sunday March 6th 2011.

The show runs Tuesdays - Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 15h00 and 20h00 and Sundays at 16h00. Tickets are from R170 and are available at Computicket – call (011) 340 8000 / 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com.

Special discounted ticket prices are available for groups of ten or more – call Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6854.

To whet your appetite, view a taste of what to expect : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r92H4edQDs

STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER is presented in South Africa in association with M-Net and Jacaranda 94.2fm.