From the diamond brilliance of classical ballet to the sweep and surge of European contemporary dance, Joburg Ballet takes centre stage in Fire and Ice at Joburg Theatre for ten performances from Friday 29 June to Sunday 8 July.

Fire and Ice showcases the company’s dynamic range in two contrasting ballets, the classical Raymonda Act 3 and a world premiere by Redha, one of Europe’s most acclaimed choreographers.

A jewel of ballet classicism, Raymonda Act 3, which has not previously been performed in Johannesburg, will have its city premiere in a staging by Brazilian ballet producer Guivalde de Almeida, who will travel to South Africa to stage the 19^th century classic with Joburg Ballet. Drawn from a full-length work and with music by Russian composer Glazunov, Raymonda Act 3 is a distillation into a single act of some of the finest classical choreography ever created.

Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald said: “When I saw Guivalde at work in Brazil last year I was so impressed I immediately asked him to share his expertise and artistry with us. His staging of the glittering Raymonda Act 3 will give our audiences the opportunity to see one of the great showpieces of classical ballet for the first time.”

Sharing the Fire and Ice programme will be a world premiere commissioned by Joburg Ballet from leading French choreographer Redha, with full details of the new work to be announced later.

Joburg Ballet CEO Esther Nasser, who has previously worked with the celebrated choreographer, summed him up succinctly, saying, “Always known simply as Redha – powerful, wildly imaginative, poignantly beautiful. That is Redha.”

Joburg Ballet offers a range of affordable ticketing options for Fire and Ice, including half price on opening night, two budget priced morning matinees with all seats just R100, and discounts for pensioners and groups.

Book now: At Joburg Theatre Box Office; or tel. 0861 670 670; or online at www.joburgtheatre.com or www.webtickets.co.za

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