PRIVATE PRESLEY - THE BALLET: REVIEW

 

(Jorge Wade & Kiana Rose Prinsloo)

 

What an absolute delight it was to witness such committed dancers performing highly energetic and athletic choreography. (Review by Mary Ann Salvage)

There was a buzz of anticipation before opening night (February 13) of Mzansi Ballet’s Private Presley - The Ballet choreographed by Sean Bovim. Director Dirk Badenhorst was thrilled to have his company return to The Milkwood Theatre again and explained that the stage was the perfect size for his company of dancers to perform at.

What an absolute delight it was to witness such committed dancers performing highly energetic and athletic choreography. Each and every dancer needs to be recognized for their technical expertise and artistic abilities.

The principal dancers, Angela Revie (Priscilla) and guest dancer from Mexico, Jorge Wade (Elvis) were exceptional, as were all the other dancers in the company, Katelyn van Herk, Kiana Rose Prinsloo, Carmi Landsberg, Kelly Patterson, Tshenolo Tshoma, Zinnia Tongue, Mahlatse Sachane, Komani Hara, Omogolo Gaorekwe and Cuban dancer, Ariel Méjica. The vibrant energy of the dancers was incredible and with such quick changes, too! A local young talented 12 year-old student dancer, Hanna van der Berselaar-Smith did very well in her debut as Lisa Marie Presley.

An unexpected addition one would not normally find at a ballet show, were two fantastic singers, Frederick Fourie (Elvis) and Patience Mahema who with their golden voices added to the magic of the performance. Neither of them upstaged the dancers but contributed so beautifully to the production with their smooth renditions of the Elvis’ hit songs.

The effective lighting, together with the sound, was perfectly designed by professionals in their field, Megan and Luke Holder.

Costumes were designed by David Hutt. However, I felt that some of the female costumes could’ve been thought through, in light of the fact that the audience is seated so close to the stage in this theatre.

With only three shows remaining, Saturday the 14th at 15h00 & 19h00 and Sunday the 15th at 15h00 be sure to secure your tickets before they sell out!

Ticket prices range from R150-R200. Book at Webtickets –  www.webtickets.co.za

Expect to be swept away by the iconic music of Elvis Presley and how his life unfolded as portrayed in the 30 numbers that is Private Presley - The Ballet. - Mary Ann Salvage

The Milkwood Theatre is located at the Danville Park Girls High School, Virginia, Durban North