(Above. Guest artists are Cape Town’s Keanan McClune and Chantelle Le Roux who are the undefeated South African Amateur, Ballroom and Latin Couple. With a string of titles to their name, the couple that have been competing in ballroom, Latin and 10 Dance have a new title to add, representing South Africa at the World Championships next month in Germany. Pic by Val Adamson
SWD regulars are always delighted to see faces they recognize from previous years and to see just how far they have come, part in thanks to initiatives like “Shall We Dance”. (Review by Gemma Schumann)
The 29th production of Neville Letard and Caryl Cusens’ Shall We Dance opened with a full company number that immediately showcases how well this Durban theatre staple brings dancers of all styles together, filling The Playhouse Opera Theatre, no easy feat. This highlights the importance of this extravaganza that brought to Durban audiences by SADTA (South African Dance Teachers Association) in association with The Playhouse Company.
The Federation of Dance Sport South Africa 2022 champions, Keanan Mc Clune and Chantelle le Roux, wowed the audience with three numbers throughout the show, their third number, Boogie Shoes, especially showing us why they are the champs.
New to the block, ballroom specialists Sithembile Ndwalane and Khulu Khumalo swept across the stage with graceful choreographies. Last of the guest artistes were powerhouse duo Londeka Mngadi and Brian Booth. The Latin specialists impressed with quick footwork and stunning tricks.
While it is always wonderful to see the professional and competitive couples, a special mention must be made of one couple, in particular. Asiphile and Slindile proved that dynamite does, indeed, come in small packages. At the tender ages of 9 and 10 years old these two little dynamos held the stage with at much verve and presence as any couple twice their age.
But Shall We Dance would not be the spectacular we know and love without the dancers from various dance studios and companies around Durban. Dancers from Mark Wilson Dance Studio, Dance Basics, Strictly Ballroom as well as scholars from local schools dazzled in fabulous costumes, showcasing their ever-evolving skills and style. SWD regulars are always delighted to see faces they recognize from previous years and to see just how far they have come, part in thanks to initiatives like Shall We Dance.
The Kzn Academy of Celtic Dance are always a pleasure to watch, transporting their audience to the Emerald Isle with slick choreography and snappy footwork. Dynamic fusions of Spanish and contemporary dance and a Viennese waltz and ballet were presented by the remarkable Young Dancers’ Project. It is so wonderful to see young dancers seamlessly switching from once discipline to another.
(Above: Rundra Dance Theatre. Pic by Val Adamson)
A personal favourite was the Rundra Dance Theatre who engaged with sensational performances of Bollywood and Indian dance. Their exquisite costumes choreography and astonishing synchronicity were an absolute joy to see. Durban theatre veteran Marion Loudon effortlessly tied it all together as host with her own wonderful performances and guided us through Shall We Dance and will do so for another two performances today Sunday at The Playhouse Opera Theatre. Tickets are sure to fly, so make sure not to miss your chance!
Show times today (Sunday September 17) at 11h00 (Tickets) R120 and 15h00 (Tickets R180). Concessions apply. Bookings can be made through Webtickets.
For more information, Like the Facebook page – Shall We Dance SA.
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