Press Release: Cape Junior Ballet (CJB) presents In The Spotlight

The Cape Junior Ballet Company (CJB), Cape Town’s leading junior ballet company, will present six performances of In The Spotlight from 25 to 28 June 2014, featuring the company’s talented dancers in various classical works and a new contemporary piece.

The CJB, established in 2005 by Capetonian ballet teacher Dianne Cheesman, is recognized as a young company that performs a high standard of inspiring, dynamic dance and In the Spotlight promises to be an entertaining celebration of youth, energy & life. Well known South African choreographers Brigitte Reeve, Nicolette Loxton, Kirsten Isenberg, Lindy Raizenberg, Yarisha Singh and Robin Van Wyk have all created pieces that will be performed in this season.

The CJB dancers range in age from 11 to 17. Known to perform like seasoned professionals they are frequently incorporated into the ranks of the Cape Town City Ballet for large productions such as the recent Swan Lake at the Artscape Opera House.

Khanya Mandongana, one of the talented CJB dancers performing in In The Spotlight, was recently awarded an Alvin Ailey scholarship at the prestigious South African International Ballet Competition in February 2014. Mandongana is also aiming to train at the world famous Rambert Dance School in London from the end of 2014 and so the proceeds from the performance on Thursday 25 June will go towards his various expenses.

The CJB has a vision to develop talented young dancers in Cape Town and currently consists of 45 aspiring dancers selected by a prestigious audition panel year from ballet studios in and around the Western Cape. Dancers rehearse together every Saturday afternoon and learn a variety of dance styles including classical and neo-classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary and African (pantsula).

Performances of In The Spotlight take place at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg from 25 to 28 June at 19h30 and on 27 and 28 June at 15h30 with discounts available for block bookings. Tickets are via 021 788 1898 or bookings@masquetheatre.co.za. Contact jsgrobbelaar@gmail.com for further information.

Press release provided by Allison Foat.