THE CAPE Junior Ballet (CJB) Company will present six performances for In the Spotlight, from tomorrow to Saturday at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg.
Established in 2005 by Cape Town ballet teacher Dianne Cheesman, the CJB is comprised of ballet dancers aged 11 to 17.
The CJB draws on 45 aspiring dancers selected by an audition panel from ballet studios in and around the Western Cape. Dancers rehearse together every Saturday afternoon and learn a variety of styles, including classical and neo-classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary and pantsula.
The teenagers have gained a reputation for performing like seasoned professionals and are frequently incorporated into the ranks of the Cape Town City Ballet’s larger productions, such as the recent Swan Lake at the Artscape Opera House.
In the Spotlight should be an entertaining celebration of youth and energy and well-known South African choreo- graphers Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, Nicolette Loxton, Kirsten Isenberg, Lindy Raizenberg, Yarisha Singh and Robin van Wyk have created the pieces which will be performed.
One of CJB’s dancers performing in the production – Khanya Mandongana – was awarded an Alvin Ailey scholarship at the prestigious South African International Ballet Competition.
He also aims to train at the Rambert Dance School in London from the end of the year, so proceeds from the performance on Thursday will go towards his various expenses.
• In the Spotlight will run at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg from tomorrow to Saturday at 7.30pm, plus 3.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Get your tickets from bookings@ masquetheatre.co.za or call 021 788 1898.