Joburg Ballet's latest production, 'Communication of Light', is a mixed bill that spans styles and subjects across continents. Upon its premiere, it left audiences with an undeniable pointe-shoe prettiness that coexisted with a haunting sense of madness.
The show begins with the lighthearted 'Concerto for Charlie', set to Veronica Paaper's 1979 piece of the same name. The nostalgic neo-classicism may feel somewhat dated, but it carries an unmistakable air of knowingness from the dancers that makes the performance grow on you.
Meanwhile, Dane Hurst's own creation, 'Resonance', delves into themes of racial antagonism and harmony through jazz-infused ballet, complete with smooth costumes and a saxophone soundtrack. The work skillfully juxtaposes prettiness with a more unsettling darkness, serving as a poignant commentary on South Africa's complex history.
The mixed bill also features Jorge Pérez Martínez's contemporary piece set to Spanish guitar, which showcases dancer Monike Cristina in a standout performance. Additionally, Tumelo Lekana's 'Ritual Prayer' is a captivating vignette that honors his ancestors as he dances traditional steps in pointe shoes.
However, it's Dada Masilo's 'Salomé' that truly steals the show. The piece feels like a long-awaited release of energy and tension, capturing the urgent feelings of Revil Yon's John the Baptist. Latoya Mokoena shines in the lead role as Salomé, exuding sensuality and power, and the dramatic beats are expertly timed to create a sense of foreboding.
As the production builds towards its climax, it becomes impossible not to be drawn into the tragic story of seduction and self-discovery. Even though there won't be any more works from Masilo, this performance serves as a powerful testament to her artistry.
Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see where Dane Hurst leads Joburg Ballet in the future, but for now, 'Communication of Light' is an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.
The show begins with the lighthearted 'Concerto for Charlie', set to Veronica Paaper's 1979 piece of the same name. The nostalgic neo-classicism may feel somewhat dated, but it carries an unmistakable air of knowingness from the dancers that makes the performance grow on you.
Meanwhile, Dane Hurst's own creation, 'Resonance', delves into themes of racial antagonism and harmony through jazz-infused ballet, complete with smooth costumes and a saxophone soundtrack. The work skillfully juxtaposes prettiness with a more unsettling darkness, serving as a poignant commentary on South Africa's complex history.
The mixed bill also features Jorge Pérez Martínez's contemporary piece set to Spanish guitar, which showcases dancer Monike Cristina in a standout performance. Additionally, Tumelo Lekana's 'Ritual Prayer' is a captivating vignette that honors his ancestors as he dances traditional steps in pointe shoes.
However, it's Dada Masilo's 'Salomé' that truly steals the show. The piece feels like a long-awaited release of energy and tension, capturing the urgent feelings of Revil Yon's John the Baptist. Latoya Mokoena shines in the lead role as Salomé, exuding sensuality and power, and the dramatic beats are expertly timed to create a sense of foreboding.
As the production builds towards its climax, it becomes impossible not to be drawn into the tragic story of seduction and self-discovery. Even though there won't be any more works from Masilo, this performance serves as a powerful testament to her artistry.
Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see where Dane Hurst leads Joburg Ballet in the future, but for now, 'Communication of Light' is an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.
but anywayz, that last piece by Dada Masilo... WOW. she's like a modern-day opera diva or somethin! and that lead role, latoya mokoena is EVERYTHING. i'm low-key thinkin the choreo is tryin to tell us somethin about our societies & power dynamics... but idk, maybe im just overthinkin it 
I'm still on a high from watching this show! The way they mixed styles and subjects was genius 
. I loved how 'Concerto for Charlie' started off all fancy but grew on you, and Dane Hurst's 'Resonance' just gave me CHILLS 
. Tumelo Lekana's piece with traditional steps in pointe shoes was so mesmerizing 
. But honestly, it was Dada Masilo's 'Salomé' that stole the show for me 
. Latoya Mokoena's performance as Salomé was incredible, and I loved how the beats built up to this dramatic finale 
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. And the costumes were on point 
. Overall, 'Communication of Light' was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling all the feels 
. I need to see what Dane Hurst has in store for Joburg Ballet next! 
I love how they've mixed up different styles and subjects from around the world - it's like a dance party with a serious message 
. And that Dada Masilo piece, 'Salomé', is on another level 
Latoya Mokoena's performance as Salomé is just incredible - she brings this seductive energy to the role that's hard to ignore 
. what I'm most excited about is seeing where Dane Hurst takes Joburg Ballet next... they're clearly pushing boundaries and making art that really matters 
. I loved how 'Concerto for Charlie' started off all bubbly and then slowly descended into madness 
. It's like he tapped into the complexities of South African history and jazz and just made this beautiful, haunting music 
! Her energy was palpable and I felt like I was right there with her in that tragic story 
. It was like they took this kaleidoscope of feelings and turned them into this beautiful, shimmering light 
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. The way the producers mixed it up with different vibes - from nostalgic neo-classicism to haunting darkness - kept me on the edge of my seat! 
. Can't wait to see what Joburg Ballet comes up with next 
... the way she exudes sensuality and power without ever crossing over into campy territory is just genius. I mean, what can you say about a performance that makes you feel all these emotions at once 
. Have you seen any of these other pieces live, or did the premiere just blow you away? 
. The way she commanded the stage, exuding sensuality and power... it was like watching a dream come to life. And that tension building up to the climax? 
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. And I love that one of the dancers gets to shine in a solo performance, Monike Cristina's 'piece' sounds amazing 
and Latoya Mokoena's performance as Salomé was LIFE.CHANGING. 
and Dane Hurst's work in 'Resonance' was SO thought-provoking... it felt like they were speaking straight to my soul 
. I loved how 'Concerto for Charlie' started off all cute and nostalgic, but then it got dark and edgy in a good way 
. And can we talk about Dane Hurst's 'Resonance'? It was like a commentary on our world right now 
. The jazz vibes and smooth costumes were straight fire 
. And that soundtrack? Saxophone perfection! 
Still, there's something about the way it's all put together that makes you want to dance in your seat 
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. Anyway, can't wait to see what Joburg Ballet does next!
meanwhile dada masilos salome stole the show for me lol her energy and sensuality just brought that stage to life 
Monike Cristina's performance in that Spanish guitar piece was seriously stunning too 
. I'm defo looking forward to seeing where they go from here with Joburg Ballet, but this show is definitely one for the books 
. I love how Dane Hurst's piece "Resonance" tackled some heavy themes with such elegance 
! But what really stood out to me was the way the entire production came together – it felt like a journey, not just a collection of individual pieces 
. I'm so excited to see where Joburg Ballet goes from here 