It is indeed a wonder that we stand in these beautiful studios this morning to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Joburg Ballet. It has gone through several name changes, but it is as Joburg Ballet that the company will continue to be known in recognition of the grant awarded to the company by the City of Johannesburg since 2013.
Why a wonder? The lack of funding from the government since 2000 has made it difficult for full time companies to survive and flourish in the arts sector. The fact that Joburg Ballet still stands today is testimony to the commitment and dedication of the many artists, administrators and fundraisers who ensured the art of ballet survives. It is still a battle to make sure the art of ballet moves forward into the future with its present funding and its need to align with new visions and aspirations of our country, but I believe Joburg Ballet is on that road and will flourish as a true South African ballet company with its own identity with which the global village will want to engage.