SA-born director and choreographer Dane Hurst has been named Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet by Joburg Ballet Board Chairperson, Melanie de Nysschen.
In her announcement, Melanie de Nysschen outlined criteria used by global executive search company Stanton Chase in identifying candidates best aligned with Joburg Ballet’s needs. Among other criteria these included overseeing productions, dancer development, mentoring and training, collaborating with regional and international partners, developing and implementing a progressive artistic vision, balancing classical tradition, contemporary and new South African/African works, strong connections in global dance and ballet, and the capacity to execute creative work within limited financial resources. In the selection process over 137 candidates were initially identified, 51 of whom were selected for closer consideration before a list of 22 applicants representing 13 nationalities were selected for final evaluation.
Responding to the announcement of his appointment, Dane Hurst said: “Returning to South Africa to contribute to the arts in this capacity is an honour and a privilege. I am inspired by the extraordinary talent within the company and its school and look forward to collaborating with the Joburg Ballet team to build on its rich legacy. Together, we will continue to elevate the company, engage with the community, and celebrate the power of dance to inspire, connect, and transform lives.”
As a young dancers Dane Hurst received a Nelson Mandela/Linbury Trust and Oppenheimer Memorial Trust scholarship, joining the Rambert School in London in 2003. He has travelled extensively, performing to acclaim with, among other UK companies, Rambert, Phoenix Dance Theatre, National Dance Company of Wales and Company Wayne McGregor. He has served as Artistic Director to Phoenix Dance Theatre in the UK and Jazzart Dance Theatre in SA.
As a choreographer Dane Hurst has received UK commissions from Rambert, Phoenix, Opera North, The Place, Barbican, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Whitechapel Art Gallery, and in SA from the South African National Dance Trust, Jazzart Dance Theatre and most recently, Joburg Ballet, creating Resonance for the company’s DreamScapes.