🌸 Joburg Ballet’s Spring Season of Dance Blooms This October

This October, Joburg Ballet brings the magic of movement to life with its Spring Season of Dance at the Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre, running 3 – 12 October 2025. From timeless classics to bold new creations, this dazzling season celebrates the artistry shaping the future of ballet in South Africa and beyond.

✨ Opening Night: SANDT Spring Gala – 3 October

The season launches with a red-carpet gala event presented by the South African National Dance Trust (SANDT) in partnership with Joburg Ballet. Funded by the National Lotteries Commission and National Arts Council, the gala unites world-class talent:

• 🌟 Royal Ballet Principal Dancers Sarah Lamb & Ryoichi Hirano, plus South African-born Lara Turk

• 🌟 Joburg Ballet & WGRUV Dance Company

• 🌟 Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Eddie Clayton

Audiences will experience rare gems by legendary choreographers, including:

• Diamonds Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s Jewels

• Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour

• Sir Frederick Ashton’s Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan

• Works by South African greats Veronica Paeper, Sean Bovim, Adele Blank, and Dane Hurst

🌌 Celestial Bodies – 4 & 5 October

Be among the first to witness the world premiere of Celestial Bodies by Mario Gaglione (Naledi Award-winning choreographer).
In collaboration with Universe on Stage’s Luca Pontiggia and Yasheen Modi, this production is a cosmic journey of energy, light, and movement – breathtaking, evocative, and visually spectacular.

📅 Dates & Times:

• Sat 4 Oct – 14h00 & 19h00

• Sun 5 Oct – 14h00

🌅 First Light – 9 to 12 October

The season closes with a vibrant mixed programme blending tradition and innovation:

• Raymonda Act 3 revival by Shannon Glover

• Concerto for Charlie – tribute by Veronica Paeper

• Classics of Spain by Bruno Miranda – fiery, rhythmic, unforgettable

• New creations by Joburg Ballet’s rising stars Tumelo Lekana & Chloé Blair

📅 Dates & Times:

• Thu 9 Oct – 11h00 (all seats R130)

• Fri 10 Oct – 19h00

• Sat 11 Oct – 14h00

• Sun 12 Oct – 14h00

🎭 Master Classes with The Royal Ballet – 4 October

SANDT and Joburg Ballet present two rare master classes at the Joburg Ballet studios:

• Sarah Lamb – class for senior/apprentice/professional dancers

• Lara Turk – class for younger students

• Followed by a Q&A session with Sarah, Ryoichi & Lara

📅 Bookings open 1 September – watch social media and Joburg Ballet’s website.

🎟️ Tickets & Discounts

• SANDT Spring Gala: From R300 – R700

• Celestial Bodies: From R200 – R510

• First Light: From R130 – R510

• Discounts (except Gala): 50% Children | 35% Friends of the Ballet | 15% Pensioners | 10% Groups 10+

📞 Book on 0861 670 670 or online:

• SANDT Spring Gala

• Celestial Bodies

• First Light

🌍 Joburg Ballet’s Spring Season of Dance is more than a performance – it’s a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the future of dance in South Africa.