Joburg Ballet Spring Season: A Celebration of Dance and Innovation

This October, Joburg Ballet invites you to its Joburg Ballet Spring Season of Dance at the Joburg Theatre from 3 to 12 October 2025. Featuring everything from iconic classical choreography to bold new creations, this compelling season is a tribute to the artists and visionaries shaping the future of ballet in South Africa and beyond.

The SANDT Spring Gala: A Red-Carpet Opening

The Spring Season of Dance opens with the SANDT Spring Gala, a red-carpet event presented by the South African National Dance Trust (SANDT) in partnership with Joburg Ballet.

This glamorous evening sets the tone for a season that honours excellence while spotlighting emerging creative voices. The gala unites the finest talent from South Africa and abroad.

The stage will feature Royal Ballet Principal Dancers Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano, and First Artist Lara Turk, alongside our own Joburg Ballet, WGRUV Dance Company, and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

In a first for the country, the dynamic programme will showcase significant works by prominent 20th and 21st-century choreographers. Highlights include:

• The Diamonds Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s Jewels.
• A selection from Within the Golden Hour by Christopher Wheeldon OBE.
• Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan by Sir Frederick Ashton.

The programme also proudly presents works from the repertoires of celebrated South African choreographers Veronica Paeper, Sean Bovim, Adele Blank, and Dane Hurst.

Celestial Bodies: A Cosmic World Premiere

The second programme is Celestial Bodies, a captivating world premiere by Joburg Ballet’s Naledi Award-winning choreographer, Mario Gaglione.

He collaborates with the visionary Universe on Stage duo, Dr Luca Pontiggia and Yasheen Modi, celebrated for their sell-out sensation Hidden Giants 2025.

Together, they create an evocative and visually stunning exploration of cosmic themes, energy, and movement.

First Light: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary

The season culminates with First Light, a mixed programme that blends tradition with bold new perspectives. The lineup features a luscious revival of Act 3 from Raymonda, Veronica Paeper’s moving tribute Concerto for Charlie, and a fiery, Spanish-inspired work by Senior Soloist Bruno Miranda. Two exciting new works from Joburg Ballet’s rising stars, Tumelo Lekana and Chloé Blair, complete the programme.

Royal Ballet Masterclasses: An Exclusive Opportunity

The season also offers an exclusive opportunity with two Royal Ballet masterclasses presented by SANDT on Saturday, 4 October. Sarah Lamb will lead a class designed for senior and professional dancers. South African-born Lara Turk will host a separate class for younger dance students.

Following the masterclasses, guests Ryoichi, Sarah, and Lara will hold a combined Q&A session. Bookings open on 1 September.

A Vision for the Future of Dance

Ultimately, the Joburg Ballet’s Spring Season of Dance is a reflection of a broad artistic vision, celebrating its distinctive South African identity while honouring the legacy of choreographic giants and uplifting the voices that will define the future of dance.

Joburg Ballet Spring Season: Booking Details

SANDT Spring Gala

• Date and Time: Friday, 3 October at 18:00
• Ticket Prices: R300, R400, R500, R600, R700
• Booking Link: www.webtickets.co.za

Celestial Bodies

• Dates and Times: Saturday, 4 October at 14:00 & 19:00; Sunday, 5 October at 14:00
• Ticket Prices: R200, R290, R350, R420, R510
• Booking Link: www.webtickets.co.za

First Light

• Dates and Times:
• Thursday, 9 October at 11:00 (all seats R130)
• Friday, 10 October at 19:00
• Saturday, 11 October at 14:00
• Sunday, 12 October at 14:00
• Ticket Prices: R200, R290, R350, R420, R510 (standard performances)
• Booking Link: www.webtickets.co.za

Discounts: (Not applicable to SANDT Spring Gala) 50% for children, 35% for Friends of the Ballet, 15% for pensioners, and 10% for groups of 10+. For all bookings, call 0861 670 670 or book online via the links above.

About the National Lotteries Commission (NLC)

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery, and the Lotteries Act guides how funding may be allocated.

The intention is to make a difference in the lives of all South Africans, especially the more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of beneficiary organisations.

Available funds are distributed to registered non-profits in the fields of charities, arts, culture, national heritage, and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on these areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.