Ballet Around the World: South Africa

south african ballet theatre studios above

Sometimes we think of ballet as being connected most closely with Russia and France - two countries who have always provided strong dancers - but ballet is prevalent world wide. I decided we should take a look at some other places where ballet is alive and wants to grow: South Africa! (You may remember, this is home to our wonderful Miss Lee-Ann!) While ballet may not be the most popular dance in South Africa, there are still some ballet companies to choose from. There are also programs for less priveledged residents, such as the non profit dance center called Dance for All, created by Philip Boyd in 2002. He and his wife, prima ballerina Phillis Spira, have expanded the program to include African Dance, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary dance. To bring dance awareness to South Africans and the world, the International Ballet Gala will be hosted in Cape Town and Joburg this summer.