By 
Attendees watched beads of sweat form with each movement as the dancers were reminded of “Energy even if you don’t have any,” by rehearsal coach Thabang Mabaso. Far removed from the applause and finery of the theatre, we saw the rawness of the work that ultimately transforms into the magic on stage.
For Hurst, DreamScapes represents a moment of change for Joburg Ballet, but also a snapshot of where ballet in SA is heading.
“[DreamScapes] connects to every person’s dream for a better future,” Hurst said. His role as interim artistic director is, by definition, temporary, but his impact may set the tone for what’s to come. “What I can do,” he said, “is work from the inside out to develop a sense of unity within the company, to cultivate pride in what we’re doing and where we are.”
That sense of place is important and reflects on where the company is now and imagines where it could go. With its dancers moving ranks in the company and gaining international attention like the young Jayden Samuels and Tumelo Lekana, Joburg Ballet is staking its claim on the world stage.
Ultimately, DreamScapes invites us to witness the extraordinary and asks ballet itself to dream bigger. And that, in Hurst’s hands, feels not only possible but inevitable.
DreamScapes is at the Roodepoort Theatre until April 6
Comments