CAPE BALLET AFRICA proudly presents Breathwords, a mesmerizing triple bill that marks the company’s debut at the prestigious Artscape Opera House and celebrates its first anniversary
This landmark production features two internationally curated choreographies alongside Kirsten Isenberg’s Reverie, an ethereal masterpiece set to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Now expanded to encompass all three movements of this iconic composition, Reverie has become a signature work of the company, captivating audiences with its dreamlike meditation on movement and music.
Breathwords offers an unforgettable ballet experience, performed live with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra on 25 March, and with recorded music on 26 and 27 March. With a duration of 120 minutes, including a 30-minute interval, this performance promises an evening of artistry, emotion, and elegance, celebrating the transformative power of dance and music. Don’t miss this enchanting debut that redefines the boundaries of ballet.
Cape Ballet Africa has just confirmed it will stage Maina Gielgud’s “Giselle” at The Baxter next year.
Diarise the dates 13 – 23 November 2025
For Dancers:
Short term contracts will be available for professional ballet dancers, and additionally, special opportunities will be available for pre-professional students from the age of 15 years for experiential learning and performance opportunity
WHAT THE PRESS HAVE TO SAY
‘a triple bill of ballets bursting with beauty, strength and vibrant expression…it’s incredible.’
Karisa Nicholls, Cape Town My Love
‘Creativity on a Masterful Scale, with Blissful taste, Visual Splendour and Dancers of exquisite talent.’
Brian van Rheede
‘sheer exuberance, talent, spirit, vibrancy, excellence in technique, fabulous costumes, exciting music and innovative choreography.’
Hadley Tituss
‘The triple bill of ballets presented in SALT offers a diverse and intellectually stimulating exploration of choreographic artistry, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.’
Shireen Fisher, The Platinum Brief
‘it’s beautiful…a feast for the eye.’
Nigel Vermaas, Bush Radio
‘It’s always thrilling to watch a performance from totally committed dancers, and SALT, Cape Ballet Africa’s inaugural performance, was this but so much more… a company classically trained and truly African… Kirsten Isenberg’s Reverie [is] a ballet of gentle beauty… Mthuthuzeli November’s Chapter Two is a winner… Smoke, a smouldering, jazzy piece, closed the evening on a high. Michelle Reid’s choreography is witty, with a clever play of dynamics to build a head of steam’
Maggie Foyer, Dance Europe
Established by highly respected dance figure Debbie Turner, Cape Ballet Africa will, through performance excellence and ongoing professional development of artists, inspire new generations to appreciate an artform that demands much of the human spirit, gives much back to the human spirit and fosters a broad appreciation and following within the African diaspora. Innovation and collaboration are core focuses within the operation of the Company, with unique voices already a hallmark of its daily functioning, both within the cast and the creative minds.
Education and upskilling of young apprentice professional artists working with more experienced artists will also be a focus for the new company.
Cape Ballet Africa is honoured to include Dr Connie September, Diane Van Schoor and Thoriso Magongwa as the company’s Patrons.
