Joburg Ballet has announced its 25th Anniversary Season for 2026, marking a quarter century of artistic excellence, transformation, and cultural impact since its founding in 2001.
The Silver Jubilee year will be celebrated with world-class productions, national and international tours, special events, exhibitions, artistic promotions and new creative initiatives.
“The 25th Anniversary Season promises to be a monumental year of dance with exciting productions and events showcasing the company's history, artistic vision and institutional growth”, said Joburg Ballet CEO, Elroy Fillis-Bell. “From six dancers with a dream to a company that inspires a nation, our journey has been shaped by resilience, artistry, and the spirit of Johannesburg.”
The 25th Anniversary Season starts in February with a return to the company's origins as we present a new production of Giselle. This iconic ballet was the first to be performed by the company, then known as South African Ballet Theatre, and has remained a pillar of the repertoire.
The beloved classic, staged by acclaimed international ballet teacher, coach and producer Angela Malan working with Joburg Ballet’s ballet mistress Kim Vieira and assistant producers Nicole Ferreira-Dill and Karen Beukes-MacDonald, comes to the Joburg Theatre from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 15 February. Giselle will then tour to the South African State Theatre, Pretoria, PACOFS Bloemfontein, and Grand Palm Casino, Gaborone, Botswana (TBC).
In April, the critically acclaimed Celestial Bodies, choreographed by Mario Gaglione in partnership with Universe on Stage, takes place at UJ in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture and at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, Gqeberha.
In June, Joburg Ballet, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, presents a groundbreaking new full-length production, The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet. Directed by Jay Pather, choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, composed by Neo Muyanga and featuring the UJ Choir, the work will premiere at Joburg Theatre.
In August, as part of a city-wide celebration of arts and culture, Joburg Ballet joins the CONTRA Joburg Festival, performing in studios, galleries and unconventional spaces in the city.
In September and October, the company returns to Joburg Theatre to present Veronica Paeper's dramatic classic, Carmen.
In November and December, the enormously popular award-winning family favourite, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, choreographed by Mario Gaglione to a commissioned score by Mark Cheyne, in partnership with the Joburg Ballet School and Joburg Ballet Academy, takes the stage in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Bringing the year to a close is the Joburg Ballet School Showcase, featuring the next generation of stars at its annual festive season performance.
The 25th Anniversary Season also includes special events and exhibitions: in May, a Mother’s Day performance in collaboration with Friends of the Ballet in the lush Shepstone Gardens; this will be followed by the opening of a 25th Anniversary Photography Exhibition, a journey through the company’s history.
“I’m delighted to announce a number of promotions, as well as new contracts and new initiatives” said Dane Hurst, Joburg Ballet’s Artistic Director.
New Adhoc dancers include Jawaun Bester, Isabelle Clough, Gabriella Fairhead, Somer February and Daniela Morson, a returning aspirant, and returning artist, Neo Moloi. Joining the Aspirant Programme are Faahkir Bestmann, Maxine Cooke, Mthobisi Molopa (a returning aspirant), Melandri van Wyk and Carina Vasconcellos.
Other new initiatives include RADAR, a Choreographic Development Programme that aims to nurture emerging creative voices, and an expanded Aspirant Programme to develop young pre-professional dancers.
In conclusion Dane Hurst said, "As we step into our milestone year, we honour our heritage while embracing the future with renewed purpose. This Anniversary Season stands as a testament to artistic resilience, cultural leadership and the transformative power of dance in South Africa. We are grateful to all who have shaped our organisation and look forward to celebrating this special year with our audiences, partners and stakeholders."