SHALL WE DANCE

(All pix by Val Adamson)

Returning to the Playhouse Opera for one weekend only, from September 9 to 11, 2022, after a Covid-induced break of two years, the fabulous dance showcase Shall We Dance is delighted to be back on stage.

The organisers say: “Everyone involved is absolutely thrilled and super-excited to be working towards a Shall We Dance showcase again as the dance community, like the rest of the creative industries, has been hard hit by Covid. Dance studios were not operational for much of lockdown, dancers were not able to rehearse, compete or perform for more than two years, and participants and audiences are somewhat out of practice.

“So, it is with much celebration and joy that Shall We Dance celebrates its 28th year this year. The typically annual showcase extravaganza of Durban’s diverse dance scene will be on stage for five performances only. Dance styles featured this year include beautiful ballroom; sensational Latin American; fast-paced adage; traditional and contemporary Ballet; toe-tapping Irish; dazzling Bollywood; smooth tap and some elegant show dancing.”

The annual extravaganza is presented by the South African Dance Teachers’ Association, the show is directed by dance stalwarts Caryl Cusens and Neville Letard. MC this year will be singer/performer, Marion Loudon.

Special guests are Cape Town couple, Keanan McClune and Chantelle le Roux, who are the 2021 SADTA All South African Ballroom and Latin American Champions. Also on the bill are specialist exhibition dancers from Gauteng, Gerhard van Rooyen and Bianca Prinsloo.

A number of dance studios from around Durban with a total of 80 dancers have been hard at work behind the scenes, not only choreographing their performance but also creating, the phenomenal array of colourful costumes which the Durban audiences get to witnesses.

For the first time on stage this year, there will be youthful dancers from Glenwood Boys High and Durban Girls High – who have taken dance as an extra-curricular activity.

Each year, the showcase introduces some great tracks that accompany the action. Music is a big part of Shall We Dance, with carefully-planned eclectic musical choices to support the dance programme – gleaned from contemporary artists as well as ever-greens.

Ticket prices range from R100 to R150. Booking is through Webtickets or instore at Pick n Pay Supermarkets or Hypermarkets.

Performances take place in the Playhouse Opera on:

September 9 at 18h30

September 10 at 14h30 and 18h00

September 11 at 11h00 and 15h00

 

For more information, like the Facebook page, Shall We Dance SA