Ballet lovers subconsciously know that much time and effort must be required to stage a professional ballet performance, but we recently had a glimpse of just how much it takes to put together a production of such a magnificent art form.
I was privileged to spend some time with the Cape Town City Ballet during rehearsals and had a first-hand taste of only some of the action that takes place in preparation for a production. It turned out to be an eye-opening and very rewarding experience.
We always had much admiration and respect for theses artists, but observing them in action during rehearsals really brought some perspective to the effort they have to put in to make it all happen. It also brought to mind a comment made by someone in the audience at a recent performance who was muttering about the cost of the admission ticket. If such people only knew the effort and dedication that goes into such a production I’m sure they will stop their muttering and double their efforts to support ballet!
I was impressed by the dedication and passion that these dancers applied to their art. Planning and rehearsals start months ahead of a major production, and they are working at it for hours a day, every day, with great enthusiasm.
Robin van Wyk, Artistic Director, explains what is required.
Robin demonstrates how he envisions a scene.
Space is at a premium in the studio and does not allow much space for a photographer !
Space in a dance studio is at a premium and every bit of it is used while rehearsing. Although that somewhat limits the movements of a photographer, it does however bring you close to the action 🙂
A close-up view.
Another close-up view.
Professor Elizabeth Triegaardt, the Executive Director of CTCB is heavily involved with the production and very enthusiastic about the art. On meeting her she jokingly invited me to take part in the rehearsal, an honour that I graciously but firmly declined 🙂
Prof. Triegaardt – every bit as passionate as the dancers.
It is not all serious business all of the time. In between rehearsal there often is a lighter moment too!
Johnny Bovang, Principal Character Dancer and co-repetiteur, made some scary-looking nails from black duct tape which he used to great effect 🙂
The black nails in action !
Johnny Bovang – a man with a great sense of humour 🙂
It is not often that one see so much passion and enjoyment exhibited by practitioners of an art or craft as I have witnessed here – it was truly awesome !
Sheer delight.
More delight !
Ballet is arguably the most graceful of all the performing arts, in my mind there is nothing to match it.
Needless to say that there is a lot more to preparing for a performance than rehearsing !
Costumes need checking too.
A bit of massaging between scenes helps to keep muscles relaxed.
One would think that a ballerina’s toes are the most at risk – apparently the ankles are.
Here’s another low-down, close to the floor, perspective taken by Jaunine
Next time that you have the opportunity of attending a ballet performance, please do so. Everybody owe it to themselves to experience something so beautiful – it’s sheer poetry in motion and food for the soul – these artists really deserve our continued support.
Spreading the magic 🙂
We can’t wait to attend the actual performance of the ballet that was rehearsed – come and join us !
( More information on the Cape Town City Ballet can be found here )
Next : Part 2 – The Sleeping Beauty
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