As Joburg Ballet marks a milestone 25 years since its founding, the company returns to where its story began — with one of the most exquisite and heartbreaking ballets ever created. Giselle, the ultimate romantic tragedy, opens Joburg Ballet’s silver jubilee season, taking to the stage of the Joburg Theatre from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 15 February, before touring to Pretoria later in the month.
First performed by the company in 2001, when it was known as the South African Ballet Theatre (SABT), Giselle has remained a cornerstone of Joburg Ballet’s repertoire. Its return is both symbolic and celebratory — a tribute to the company’s past, present and future.
Staged by internationally respected, South African-born former ballerina Angela Malan, now based in Europe, this production reunites artistic excellence with deep institutional memory. Malan is joined by Joburg Ballet’s ballet mistress Kim Vieira, alongside assistant producers Nicole Ferreira-Dill and Karen Beukes MacDonald, both of whom enjoyed distinguished careers as principal dancers with the company — a fitting alignment for a 25th anniversary season.
Love beyond life itself
At its heart, Giselle is a story of love so powerful it transcends death. Set against a pastoral village and a haunting supernatural realm, the ballet explores passion, betrayal and forgiveness through one of classical ballet’s most demanding and revered female roles.
The title role of Giselle will be shared by principal dancers Tammy Higgins (in her role debut), Ryoko Yagyu, and Monike Cristina. The noble yet flawed Albrecht will be danced by Revil Yon (partnering Higgins), Ivan Domiciano (role debut, with Yagyu), and Bruno Miranda (role debut, with Cristina).
Adding further depth to the cast, Gabriella Ghiaroni makes her role debut as the formidable Queen of the Wilis, while Mario Gaglione debuts as the doomed huntsman Hilarion. Beyond the leading roles, Giselle offers powerful moments for supporting characters and a chilling second act featuring the full corps de ballet, whose ghostly presence remains one of the most iconic images in classical dance.
Ballet and Valentine’s magic
Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the season includes two special performances on Saturday 14 February at 2pm and 7pm, making Giselle an ideal cultural celebration of love — whether shared with a partner, friends or fellow ballet enthusiasts.
To deepen the experience, Joburg Ballet will host an Open Day at its studios on Saturday 7 February from 10am to 1pm. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the dancers, learn more about the ballet, and observe the company in class and rehearsal. Tickets cost R150, including refreshments, and can be booked by calling 011-877-6898 or emailing futhi@joburgballet.com.
Performance details
Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg
Dates & Times:
• Thursday 12 February – 7pm
• Friday 13 February – 7pm
• Saturday 14 February – 2pm & 7pm
• Sunday 15 February – 2pm
Ticket Prices: R250 – R670
Booking: Webtickets
South African State Theatre, Pretoria
Dates & Times:
• Friday 20 February – 7pm
• Saturday 21 February – 7pm
• Sunday 22 February – 3pm
Ticket Prices: R220 – R380
Booking: Webtickets
As Joburg Ballet celebrates 25 years of storytelling through movement, Giselle stands as a powerful reminder of why classical ballet endures — timeless, emotional, and capable of capturing the human heart in silence.
For more information, visit www.joburgballet.com.
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