Dance like no one is watching

Jill invited me to their ballet studio concert. They had chosen such beautiful music, most of it modern, even pop and the choreography was wonderful. This young girl did a solo, started well and then shook her head and ran off. After a few more performances she came back and danced her piece, beginning to end. You could see she had been crying but now she was dancing with passion, before her dance was technically precise. I applaud her courage, for coming back on stage. Wow!

I only took photographs of Jill's performance and the closing of the show.
I, however, did not take the picture of Jill backstage.

Dance like no one's watching

A real life dancer on a music box, of course I donated money to see her dance.

An amazing awareness campaign - well executed!

From: http://www.saballettheatre.co.za/en/Content/Pages/UPCOMING-SABT-EVENTS

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) and Mzansi Productions are hosting an innovative

fundraising event at Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg. Together with key suppliers, we have spent several months creating and developing a traditional, musical jewellery box – with one important difference. It’s life-size. When you insert money into its coin slot, a real ballerina comes to life inside the box and dances for as long as the music plays.

The message? Help keep ballet The South African Ballet Theatre dancing.

The event is an original and creative way of gaining exposure and generating funds for SABT and Mzansi Productions: two of Gauteng’s major dance companies currently in the process of merging. Both companies are Section 21 registered companies and are generously funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. With an operating budget in excess of R12.5 million annually, the Companies must maintain on-going fundraising initiatives to secure additional budget.

“We wanted to create awareness around classical ballet, as well as the need for public support.” said Iain MacDonald, Artistic Director.  Iain has choreographed dances for Emma Corbett, Jessica Overton, Claudia Monja and Leila Wagener for the event.

Special thanks go to Hyde Park Corner for hosting the event.