These exotic stories which span from the shores of the Red Sea to Australia and South Africa, are based on fables Kipling heard as a child growing up in India and then told his own children. They offer imaginative answers to questions such as, “how did the leopard get its spots?” or “how did the rhinoceros get his wrinkly skin?”

The production combines the talents of the Ballet Theatre Afrikan’s dynamic dancers with Martin Schönberg, the Artistic Director of BTA, who took the challenge to produce the work with composer Wessel van Rensburg. The Choreographers responsible for this charming production are Christopher Kindo, Thoriso Magongwa and Martin Schönberg.

Ballet Theatre Afrikan has received praise both locally and internationally for their energetic performance and alternative training. The dancers are recruited from a cross-section of society and culture and at present there are approximately 250 dancers throughout South Africa. The dance company maintains a focus on uplifting previously disadvantaged sectors of society. They have achieved a number of awards including FNB Vita Special award and individual awards recognised the unique talents of the performers.

Ballet Theatre Afrikan have won numerous awards including, 1997 FNB Vita Special Award to Ballet Theatre Afrikan “for your Commitment to the development of dance in Gauteng and for creating a uniquely new group of young dancers.” 1998 Yolandi Olckers won the“ Prix de l’association pour le Rayonnement de l’ Opera National de Paris “ at the 8th Concours International de Danse de Paris. 2002 Awarded “The Best Dance Performance” at The Klein Karroo Festival.. July 2002 Artistic Director, Mr Martin Schönberg, invited on to the jury of “The International Ballet Competition” in St Pölten Austria. 2003 February Three members of BTA, Kitty Phetla, Thoriso Magongwa and Kagiso Mabe nominated for FNB Dance Umbrella awards. 2003 March Two members of the company nominated for KKNK awards Yolandi Olckers and Thoriso Magongwa. 2005 June Yolandi Olkers, principal dancer semi –finalist at Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Finland. Thoriso Magongwa principal dancer won through to the finals. 2006 Jan 2006 Nominated for a Gauteng MEC Award in the category Most Outstanding Male Dancer in Contemporary Style for his performance in ‘XMAS MEDLY, Hooked on Classics.

This is a show for all ages and “Just So Stories” Ballet will be showing at the Spier Amphitheatre on 30, 31March and 1 April 2006 at 20h00. Bookings can be made through the Box Office at 021 809 1111, and for further information log onto www.spierarts.org.za .

About the Spier Arts Trust
The Spier Arts Trust is a non-profit, financially independent cultural organisation. It was established in 1996 to administer funds raised from the corporate, private and government sectors to present cultural events. Its objectives include developing excellence and innovation in the arts, showcasing, promoting and developing.

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