Joburg Ballet's 'Communion of Light' showcases a mesmerizing blend of lightness and darkness as the dancers traverse an eclectic range of styles. The performance commences with Dane Hurst's 2019 piece Resonance, whose jazzy ballet aesthetic appears somewhat dated but possesses a thought-provoking undertone that juxtaposes racial antagonism with harmony, making for a captivating combination of beauty and ugliness.
The mixed bill also features Veronica Paeper's Concerto for Charlie, which may appear dated due to its neo-classical style, yet boasts an undeniable charm through the knowing smiles of the dancers. However, it is Hurst's own piece Resonance that truly showcases his artistic prowess.
A standout highlight comes in the form of Jorge Pérez Martínez's contemporary piece set to Spanish guitar, which features dancer Monike Cristina as a notable performer. Furthermore, Tumelo Lakana's vignette pays tribute to his ancestors through traditional South African steps danced in pointe shoes, adding an essential layer of cultural depth to the performance.
However, it is Dada Masilo's Salomé that truly steals the show. This heart-wrenching piece, one of Masilo's final works, brings a palpable sense of urgency and power to the stage as Latoya Mokoena commands the role of Salomé with sensuous authority. The dramatic beats are spot-on, culminating in a shattering ending that feels both genuinely tragic and hauntingly beautiful.
Ultimately, 'Communion of Light' serves as a poignant reminder of the immense talent and artistic potential lost with Dada Masilo's passing. As Dane Hurst takes the reins of Joburg Ballet, it will be intriguing to witness how he navigates this company into an uncertain future while honoring the legacy of its talented members, including Masilo.
The mixed bill also features Veronica Paeper's Concerto for Charlie, which may appear dated due to its neo-classical style, yet boasts an undeniable charm through the knowing smiles of the dancers. However, it is Hurst's own piece Resonance that truly showcases his artistic prowess.
A standout highlight comes in the form of Jorge Pérez Martínez's contemporary piece set to Spanish guitar, which features dancer Monike Cristina as a notable performer. Furthermore, Tumelo Lakana's vignette pays tribute to his ancestors through traditional South African steps danced in pointe shoes, adding an essential layer of cultural depth to the performance.
However, it is Dada Masilo's Salomé that truly steals the show. This heart-wrenching piece, one of Masilo's final works, brings a palpable sense of urgency and power to the stage as Latoya Mokoena commands the role of Salomé with sensuous authority. The dramatic beats are spot-on, culminating in a shattering ending that feels both genuinely tragic and hauntingly beautiful.
Ultimately, 'Communion of Light' serves as a poignant reminder of the immense talent and artistic potential lost with Dada Masilo's passing. As Dane Hurst takes the reins of Joburg Ballet, it will be intriguing to witness how he navigates this company into an uncertain future while honoring the legacy of its talented members, including Masilo.
And that solo by Monike Cristina, girl's got skills! 
But what really gets me is how Dada Masilo's Salomé takes the whole show and makes it emotional, you feel? It's like, you're right there with Latoya Mokoena, feeling all the feels... 
Can't believe we won't get to see more of her work or Dada Masilo's genius in general 
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THEY MANAGED TO BLEND THESE REALLY DIFFERENT STYLES AND MAKE IT WORK TOGETHER IN A WAY THAT FEELS REALLY COGNIZANT. I MEAN, WHO WOULDN'T BE MOVED BY DADA MASITO'S 'SALOME'?! Latoya Mokoena's performance was SO POWERFUL AND HAUNTING 
. But what really struck me was the depth of feeling behind each piece... it's not just about the beauty, it's also about the pain and the struggle 
.
. And Monike Cristina? Wow, she was on fire 
! But what really got me was Dada Masilo's Salomé... I mean, that girl can sing and dance, but it's her presence on stage that leaves you breathless 
. The fact that Dane Hurst is taking over now just raises more questions – will the company stay true to its roots or will they venture off in a new direction? 
i loved how the piece brought out this sense of urgency and tragedy, but also left you feeling all these other emotions too... like sadness, anger, and hope? it's just so beautiful 
. The way they mixed all those styles together was wild, but you know what really stood out to me? That last piece by Dada Masilo... it's like she poured her heart and soul into that one 
. Still, I'm excited to see where he takes the company - gotta respect the legacy of all those talented performers who got showcased here 
...I mean, who knew ballet could be so dark and gritty? It's like they took all the lightness and turned it into a heavy metal concert 
. But seriously, that piece by Dada Masilo 'Salomé' is gonna give you chills for days 
. I'm not even crying, I'm just saying 
. Anyways, it's a beautiful (and sometimes painful) tribute to the talented performers who are no longer with us 
. Can't wait to see what Joburg Ballet has in store for us next 
.