November 1, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
THE South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) is holding auditions on 2 November for dancers to land places in its 2008 graduate programme. The programme runs for either six or 12 months.
Auditions will be held from 3pm until 6pm, at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria and at the National School of the Arts, on Hoofd Street, in Braamfontein.
The State Theatre is at 320 Pretorius Street, Pretoria; the auditions are being held in Studio 4A. Registration starts at 2pm at both venues.
Samantha Saevitzon, from the SABT, says girls must bring their pointe shoes and must wear pink leotards and tights; boys should wear form-fitting T-shirts and tights.
"Ballet masters and mistresses are looking for the right body, talent and the best of the best because once they are selected, they will be performing with the company at a professional level."
There is huge interest in the auditions, with many young dancers taking part, but making the cut "depends on the talent that the company will spot during the audition", says Theo Ncube, an assistant to the company's directors.
The SABT is the country's largest ballet company. Under its graduate programme, young dancers train for six months or a year with the professional ballet company, while getting first-hand experience from professional dancers. It costs R2 000 a quarter, or R8 000 a year.
Through the programme, dancers learn whether or not a full-time career in ballet is right for them. They also get a better understanding of their physical, emotional, and mental abilities. Ncube says the course exposes young dancers to professional ballet, lighting, design and costuming. It includes ballet classes, rehearsals and presenting high-quality, professional productions.
Other skills learned include general office management. "They will gain experience in public relations by dealing with the public and role players in the ballet fraternity," she says.
As part of their training, students also perform in the SABT's productions.
At the end of the six-month and one-year courses, the SABT evaluates the participants' progress and, depending on available space, it offers contracts to individual dancers. All successful graduates are awarded a certificate.
In addition, the SABT Johannesburg School will hold its Open Day at its in-house studios at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, 10 November. The day will comprise presentations of class work by the students, rehearsals, and a preview of the ballets that will be performed at the annual concert on Thursday, 29 November.
Members of the public and parents and families of students are invited to the Open Day. The concert is at 7pm on 29 November. For concert bookings, contact Moagi on 011 877 6898; tickets are R50 each.
To register for the auditions or for further information contact the South African Ballet Theatre on 011 877 6898, email it on admin@saballettheatre.co.za, or visit the South African Ballet Theatre website.
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