National School of the Arts (NSA) & Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB) in collaborative SYMBIOSIS for Dance Spectrum

From the 1^st – 4^th August the Johannesburg Youth Ballet and the National School of the Arts will come together in SYMBIOSIS, a collaborative season of youth dance in the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre.

With funding from the National Arts Council and supported by Joburg Theatre, the Johannesburg Youth Ballet, an enduring presence on the cultural landscape for 46 years and the National School of the Arts, renowned for its excellence as a School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, have joined forces to create a production that embodies the spirit of symbiosis - the harmonious coexistence of diverse elements. The NSA and the JYB have a shared history and share objectives in consistently nurturing and finding opportunities for young dancers to showcase their proficiency and artistry.

“SYMBIOSIS not only showcases the talent of young dancers but also showcases the rich skills of young South African choreographers” says Mark Hawkins the current Artistic Director of the JYB. “We have a remarkable spectrum of dance in our season from Romantic Ballet in the adaptation of Les Sylphides, to Spanish from Gillian Bonegio, to contemporary dance with choreography from Laura Cameron, Yusuf Thomas and Tshepo Zasekhaya, to a special interpretation of HIP HOP from Thato Nkwe and a brand-new SA born and inspired Amaballet from Bhungane Gabriel Mehlomakhulu - a novel choreographic exploration inspired by amapiano!” concludes Mark Hawkins.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Johannesburg Youth Ballet on this exciting project,” says NSA educator, choreographer and JYB alum, Yusuf Thomas, “having three young external choreographers who all possess extensive experience on both the local and international dance scene makes this season particularly exciting. Expect fresh ideas and bold voices in “symbiosis” and a relevant showcase of South African youth dance. We can't wait to share it with audiences."

The production will run from 1^st to 4^th August at the Lesedi @ Joburg Theatre with tickets available through WebTickets. Affordably priced at R150 and R100 for students. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of young people and youth dance in South Africa.

The rich repertoire featured in SYMBIOSIS includes an adaptation of the abstract “non-narrative” evocative Romantic Ballet “Les Sylphides” and the energetic Drum Dance from La Bayadere with choreography after Petipa.

The top student choreography from Project 24 which played to critical acclaim earlier this year is also featured. 

Featured choreography from:

• Bhungane Gabriel Mehlomakhulu
• Gillian Bonegio
• Laura Cameron
• Thato Nkwe
• Tshepo Zasekhaya
• Yusuf Thomas

Les Sylphides adapted and staged by

• Dianne Finch
• Chase Bosch
• Mark Hawkins

Drum Dance from La Bayadere

Staged by Chase Bosch

Lighting Designer: Wilhelm Disbergen

August 1^st – 4^th

The Lesedi @ Joburg Theatre

Thursday 1^st August low-price preview – 7pm

Friday 2^nd August – 7pm

Saturday 3^rd August @ 2:30pm & 7pm

Sunday 4^th August @ 2:30pm

Tickets R150.00 Students: R100.00

For media inquiries, interview requests or access to high res pics contact Dee’s Harilal on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 011 788 7632 or 083 954 6133

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of National School of the Arts (NSA) https://artschool.co.za/