Contemporary dance and classical ballet are both on offer this week.
? Johannesburg’s alternative dance festival, New Dance, kicked off last weekend with a triple bill concentrating on the workings of the human psyche. This week, the festival gets going in earnest with the arrival of dancers from abroad and senior local choreographers.
At the Dance Factory on September 9 and 10 at 8pm, catch Congolese choreographer Faustin Linyekula’s More more more — future. Linyekula’s piece deals with the crisis and transience of city life. At the old Johannesburg Stock Exchange (on Diagonal Street) on September 10 and 11, catch the company of the wildly avant-garde Sello Pesa in a new installation work titled: Tshwene ga ipone Makopo. Spanish choreographer La Ribot will present a series of works, including a live interview with a video art presentation at the Dance Factory on September 13 at 11am. La Ribot’s second work is the big ensemble piece PARAdistinguidas, performed at the Dance Factory on September 14 at 7.30pm.
The Dance Factory, President Street, Newtown. The festival continues until September 18. To RSVP for La Ribot discussion, call 011 492 2030. For the programme, visit: www.artslink.co.za/arts
? Ballet returns to the bill of this year’s Jo’burg Arts Alive festival as the South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) presents Balletomania, a celebration of the SABT’s 10th anniversary. The programme will feature highlights from its glittering repertoire, new works, as well as appearances by dancers on the SABT’s academy and development programme. Established in 2001 after the closure of the State Theatre Ballet in 2000, SABT is one of the few ballet companies still in existence in the country.
The Mandela Theatre, Jo’burg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein from September 9 to 11. For performance times, call Tel: 0861 670 670 or visit www.joburgtheatre.com for more information.