The Shall We Dance showcase that brings award-winning Latin and ballroom acts to the local stage will be held at the Playhouse Opera from September 9 to 11. The event is also a celebration of Durban’s dance school talent.
Marking its 28th year, the showcase will feature performances in other dance styles, including fast-paced adage, traditional and contemporary ballet, Irish dance, Bollywood, smooth tap and show dancing.
The event is presented by the South African Dance Teachers’ Association (SADTA) and directed by Caryl Cusens and Neville Letard. It returns after a two-year absence due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Letard said this year’s guests were Cape Town couple Keanan McClune and Chantelle le Roux, who are the 2021 SADTA All South African Ballroom and Latin American champions.
“Specialist exhibition dancers from Gauteng, Gerhard van Rooyen and Bianca Prinsloo, will be performing some breathtaking adagio (dance using acrobatic balance with counterbalance).”
He said the showcase was an opportunity for local dance schools to show off their talents and to expose the public to dance and theatre.
“Accessing platforms to showcase is difficult for local dance schools. These past two years have been nasty for us in the dance world. And we are trying to get the youngsters back into dance and into theatre.
“We have a number of dance studios from around Durban with a total of 80 dancers on stage. Hopefully someone will watch the dance schools and be inspired and say ‘I want to do that’. It is important that kids and parents experience what theatre is about. Most families sit in front of the TV and they don’t know what is out there. We have a fairly young cast this year and hopefully it will bring more young people into the theatre.”
Performances are: September 9 at 6.30pm, September 10 at 2.30pm and 6pm and September 11 at 11am and 3pm.
Ticket prices range from R100 to R150. Booking is through Webtickets or in store at Pick n Pay supermarkets or Hypermarkets.
* For more information, see the Facebook page, Shall We Dance SA.