July 2, 2004
By Chandrea Gerber
BALLET THEATRE AFRIKAN and the Free Flight Dance Company are offering an insight into the everyday lives of human beings in their new dance piece, 'Windows'.
The energetic and innovative dance production - which is on at the Market Theatre from 2 until 11 July - is a unique collaboration between the artistic directors of the two dance companies.
'Windows' is a bird's-eye view of the lives of the inhabitants of a block of flats - their relationships, their emotions, their joys and sorrows. The piece draws from the two companies' wide experience in different genres - from classical and contemporary dance, to jazz and afro-fusion.
The collaboration between Martin Schonberg, the artistic director of BTA, and Adele Blank, the artistic director of Free Flight, is a special one.
The two companies have worked together on many projects and Blank has frequently choreographed for BTA. But this is the first time these award-winners will choreograph a joint project.
BTA's teaching is based on ballet, but training in contemporary, jazz and afro-fusion dance is given - which results in an eclectic range of styles.
Free Flight works mainly in the contemporary jazz and afro-fusion genres. So, this collaboration should result in an interesting and exciting fusion of styles - and a work that is innovative, dynamic and pleasing to audiences.
The two companies have been developing dance and dancers in Gauteng and in Cape Town for more than a decade. Schonberg and Blank have turned many aspiring dancers into professionals.
Blank, a patron of BTA, has created many works for it.
Many of today's professional contemporary dancers have trained under her. She and Schonberg have also trained most of the members of their companies. Many of the dancers have become internationally recognised ballet teachers.
BTA is offering an evening that includes deluxe dining and first-class dance at the Market Theatre.
Tickets for the dinner - which includes the performance - are R200, R225, or R235 a person; there is a maximum of 10 people per table.
Lunch is at 12:30pm and the show starts at 3pm. Dinner is at 6pm, before a show that starts at 8pm.
The performance alone costs R80 for adults; children under 12 and pensioners pay R45. A special performance on 8 July will cost R65.
Bookings can be made through Computicket on 011 340 8000 or at www.computicket.com.
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