Joburg Ballet

29/05/2026

THE BACCHAE: AN AFRICAN CHORAL BALLET

In an exciting new collaboration, Joburg Ballet and UJ Arts & Culture present the world premiere of Euripides’ classic The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet, a full-length production premiering as part of Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary season at The Mandela at Joburg Theatre.

Bringing together ballet, indigenous African movement, live choral voices and orchestral performance in an immersive experience of music, sound and storytelling, the production is directed by acclaimed artist Jay Pather, with an original score by celebrated composer Neo Muyanga and choreography by internationally acclaimed choreographer Mthuthuzeli November.

This groundbreaking production brings together the acclaimed University of Johannesburg Choir, Joburg Ballet and a live chamber orchestra. Alongside professional musicians, dancers, composers and creatives, as well as emerging student artists and designers from the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, The Bacchae brings together over 450 creative practitioners in one of the most ambitious collaborative productions Johannesburg has ever seen.

A story of power, rebellion, freedom and transformation. A European classic reimagined through African creativity, performed by some of South Africa’s most compelling artists. For Johannesburg. For the first time.

📍 The Mandela at Joburg Theatre
📅 3 – 12 July 2026
Tickets available now on Webtickets. Link in bio.

29/05/2026

THE BACCHAE: AN AFRICAN CHORAL BALLET

A world premiere. A landmark collaboration. A theatrical event unlike anything Johannesburg has seen before.

As part of Joburg Ballet's 25th anniversary season, Joburg Ballet and University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture present The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet — a bold reimagining of Euripides' classic, fusing ballet, indigenous African movement, live choral music and orchestral performance.

Directed by acclaimed artist Jay Pather, with an original score by celebrated composer Neo Muyanga and choreography by internationally acclaimed choreographer Mthuthuzeli November, this groundbreaking production brings together the acclaimed University of Johannesburg Choir, Joburg Ballet and a live chamber orchestra.

Featuring more than 450 artists, musicians, dancers, designers and creatives, The Bacchae is one of the most ambitious artistic collaborations ever staged in Johannesburg.

A story of power, rebellion, freedom and transformation. A European classic reimagined through African creativity.

Powerful. Visually breathtaking. Unmissable.
📍 The Mandela at Joburg Theatre
📅 3 – 12 July 2026

Book now and experience one of the most ambitious productions ever staged in Johannesburg.

Tickets are on sale now: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1588362657

28/05/2026

Want to join us on stage? Not every audition begins with a golden ticket, but this might be your way in.

Auditions are now open for performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Cape Town, November 2026. We’re looking for dancers aged between 8–18yrs who are ready to step into a world where imagination leads and movement brings it to life.

Join us on 7 June 2026 from 9:00 to 15:00 in Cape Town for a class and workshop session led by choreographer , with the venue being at the Cape Town City Ballet studios in Rondebosch.

If this feels like something you’ve been waiting for, we look forward to seeing you in the studio.

For more information or to register, please contact [email protected]

26/05/2026

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO ENTER

Win the FIRST edition of Guy du Toit’s Cygnets sculpture — inspired by Swan Lake and valued at R90,000.

Enter here: https://www.joburgballet.com/latitudes.html

Launched in collaboration at this past weekend’s RMB Latitudes Art Fair, this unique donation competition brings together Joburg Ballet, acclaimed artist Guy du Toit and Read Gallery in support of Joburg Ballet’s Pointe Shoe Fund.

✨ Eligible donations valid only until 31 May
🎟 1 entry per R1,000 donated
🎨 Only 300 entrants

Art giving back to dance.
Dance inspiring art.

Tutus, Hares & Heart is a unique fundraising collaboration uniting ballet, contemporary art and philanthropy. Created in partnership with Joburg Ballet, RMB Latitudes Art Fair and Everard Read Gallery, acclaimed South African artist Guy du Toit has donated the first edition (1/16) of his new sculptu...

25/05/2026

Week one of rehearsals for The Bacchae is officially complete and what an incredible start to this creative journey. ✨
Acclaimed choreographer Mthuthuzeli November is in studio with the artists of Joburg Ballet, creating The Bacchae, An African choral ballet filled with energy, intensity, and breathtaking movement. The company dancers have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the process, creating amazing material with music composed by Neo Muyanga.
We’re excited to see how this production continues to evolve in the weeks ahead.
The journey to opening night has begun.
📍 The Bacchae
🗓 Opening 3 July 2026
📍 Joburg Theatre
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes moments as this extraordinary new production comes to life.

22/05/2026

The Dance Studio: A Sacred Space

Conversations in Motion at RMB
Latitudes Art Fair’s Latitudes

The session will feature performances of choreography by Tumelo Lekana and Gabrielle Fairhead, alongside a short extract from Giselle. Following the performances, the full cast will take part in a discussion about their creative journeys, what it means to be dancers and choreographers working in Johannesburg, and why ballet remains a powerful medium of expression, survival and artistic discovery within the contemporary city.
online

21/05/2026

Wishing the dancers of Joburg Ballet all the very best for their performances of Maria Callas Prima Donna, created by award winning choreographer, Mario Gaglione.

For a strictly limited run of only 3 performances at the Milkwood Theatre in Durban on 23/24 May, audiences will experience a powerful cast featuring Naledi Award winner Monike Cristina alongside Revil Yon, Gabriella Ghiaroni, Ivan Domiciano and Chloe Blair.

This is one not to be missed — an intimate and moving celebration of artistry, passion and dance.

🎟 Tickets available

19/05/2026

Tutus, Hares & Heart has arrived.

Win the FIRST edition of Guy du Toit’s new sculpture Cygnets — inspired by Swan Lake and created for RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026.

Donate R1,000 to support Joburg Ballet’s Pointe Shoe Fund and receive 1 entry to win.

Prize valued at R90,000
Only 300 entrants
22–24 May 2026
Link in bio

Art giving back to dance.
Dance inspiring art.

Learn more: https://www.joburgballet.com/latitudes.html

15/05/2026

Joburg Ballet is proud to celebrate the participation of company artists Tumelo Lekana, David Maluleka and Thando Mgobhozi in The Market Theatre’s presentation of Dada Masilo’s Hamlet, produced in association with The Dance Factory. The production will be performed for two performances only on Saturday, 16 May at 19h00 and Sunday, 17 May at 15h00 in the John Kani Theatre, ahead of its international tour.

Originally premiering at the ImPulsTanz International Festival in Vienna in 2024, the acclaimed work continues the extraordinary artistic legacy of the late Dada Masilo under the direction of long-time collaborator Llewellyn Mnguni. Joburg Ballet is honoured to have its artists featured alongside performers from across Johannesburg’s vibrant dance community in this bold and powerful reimagining of Hamlet, which continues to captivate audiences locally and internationally.

12/05/2026

Want to join us on stage? Not every audition begins with a golden ticket, but this might be your way in.

Auditions are now open for performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Cape Town, November 2026. We’re looking for dancers aged between 8-18yrs who are ready to step into a world where imagination leads and movement brings it to life.

Join us on 7 June 2026 from 9:00 to 15:00 in Cape Town for a class and workshop session led by choreographer  

If this feels like something you’ve been waiting for, we look forward to seeing you in the studio.

For more information or to register, please contact [email protected]