Johannesburg, August 2025 — Joburg Ballet is set to launch its much-anticipated Spring Season of Dance in spectacular style with the SANDT Spring Gala, taking place at the Joburg Theatre on Friday, 3 October 2025. This one-night-only performance promises a glittering celebration of world-class ballet, uniting extraordinary local and international talent on a single stage.
Presented by the South African National Dance Trust (SANDT) in collaboration with Joburg Ballet, the Gala invites audiences to embrace the elegance of a night at the theatre, complete with pre-show drinks and snacks before curtain call.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Joburg Ballet on this prestigious event,” says Robyn Taylor, Executive Director of SANDT. “The Gala showcases collaboration at its finest — bringing together South African and international artistry, enriching our dance community, and celebrating creativity at the highest level.”
A star-studded international lineup
The evening features a constellation of talent, including Royal Ballet principal dancers Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano, alongside South African dancer Lara Turk, who returns home after 18 years with The Royal Ballet. They will join forces with Joburg Ballet and WGRUV Dance Company, while the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Eddie Clayton, provides a live symphonic accompaniment.
Programme highlights include the South African premieres of George Balanchine’s Diamonds Pas de Deux from Jewels and Christopher Wheeldon’s Within The Golden Hour, danced by Lamb and Hirano, as well as Sir Frederick Ashton’s Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan, performed by Turk.
“To perform in my home country again fills me with joy,” says Lara Turk. “Dancing Ashton’s heritage masterpiece, alongside Veronica Paeper’s Carmen, is an incredible honour.”
Celebrating South African choreography
The Gala also honours the rich legacy of local talent with works by Veronica Paeper, Sean Bovim, Adele Blank, and Dane Hurst. Audiences can expect:
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Joburg Ballet in Paeper’s Concerto for Charlie and the iconic Habanera from Carmen
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An extract from Dane Hurst’s Resonance
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Sean Bovim’s Tango Table
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WGRUV Dance Company performing Hurst’s Reflections and Bovim’s New Air
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A shared stage with Joburg Ballet in Adele Blank’s Suite on Bob
Beyond the stage: A masterclass experience
The celebration continues on Saturday, 4 October, when guest artists from The Royal Ballet will lead a masterclass, followed by a discussion on Sir Frederick Ashton’s contribution to ballet, concluding with a Q&A session. This unique educational event is open to professional and pre-professional dancers, educators, and ballet enthusiasts.
A season of vision and legacy
Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell emphasised that the Spring Season reflects a wide artistic vision:
“This season celebrates the giants of choreography while uplifting voices that will shape the future of dance. It honours tradition, embraces innovation, and invests in the next generation of talent.”
Booking details – SANDT Spring Gala
📍 Venue: Joburg Theatre
📅 Date: Friday, 3 October 2025
🕖 Time: Drinks from 18h00 | Performance starts 19h00
🎟️ Tickets: R300 – R700
📞 Booking: 0861 670 670 or Webtickets
The Gala is supported by the National Lotteries Commission and the National Arts Council.
