A season of brilliance, innovation and extraordinary talent
The Spring Season of Dance opens on Friday 3 October with the SANDT Spring Gala. Funded by the National Lotteries Commission and the National Arts Council and presented by the South African National Dance Trust (SANDT) in partnership with Joburg Ballet, this red-carpet gala event sets the tone for a season that honours excellence while spotlighting emerging creative voices.
This star-studded gala performance with Royal Ballet principal dancers Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano and first artist Lara Turk, Joburg Ballet, WGRUV Dance Company and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Eddie Clayton, unites the finest talent from South Africa and abroad.
The programme is a dynamic showcase of works by celebrated choreographers. Several works by major 20th and 21st century choreographers will be presented in South Africa for the first time: the Diamonds Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s Jewels, a highlight from Within the Golden Hour by Christopher Wheeldon OBE and Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan by Sir Frederick Ashton. South African choreographers Veronica Paeper, Sean Bovim, Adele Blank and Dane Hurst will present works from their repertoires.
Sarah Lamb, The Royal Ballet
Monike Cristina and Revil Yon in Classics of Spain
The second programme of the season is Celestial Bodies on Saturday 4 October at 14h00 and 19h00 and Sunday 5 October at 14h00. Audiences will be captivated by this world premiere by Joburg Ballet’s Naledi Award-winning choreographer, Mario Gaglione. Created in partnership with the visionary Universe on Stage duo, Dr Luca Pontiggia and Yasheen Modi, behind the sell-out sensation Hidden Giants 2025, Celestial Bodies is an evocative and visually stunning exploration of cosmic themes, energy and movement.
The Spring Season of Dance culminates with First Light, a mixed programme of classical and contemporary works that blend tradition with bold new perspectives: the luscious Act 3 from Raymonda produced by former principal dancer Shannon Glover; Concerto for Charlie, a moving and vibrant tribute by South African ballet icon Veronica Paeper; Classics of Spain, a fiery, rhythmically charged work celebrating the spirit and vibrancy of Spanish culture by Joburg Ballet senior soloist Bruno Miranda and two new works from Joburg Ballet’s rising stars Tumelo Lekana and Chloé Blair. Performances on Thursday 9 October at 11h00, Friday 10 October at 19h00, Saturday 11 October at 14h00 and Sunday 12 October at 14h00.
SANDT Spring Gala funded by
NATIONAL LOTTERIES COMMISSION (NLC)
The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in
which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of
all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary
organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the
fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis