Just Dance Finals Show at Joburg Theatre

Following the success of the interval performances by Gauteng ballet and dance studios during in March 2014 and of the company’s JUST DANCE! Competition in September 2013, Joburg Ballet in association with former ballet dancer and teacher Cindy Gruskin-Polakow, continues the initiative during the September performances of Joburg Ballet’s new productions of the classical ballets, La Bayadère and The Nutcracker at the Joburg Theatre between 12 and 28 September.

The initiative takes the form of a competition, with studios and groups competing for prizes awarded in recognition of a combination of entertainment values and technical accomplishment. The competition is open to dancers working in all dance techniques, and a wide range of performing styles is anticipated.

The closing date for applications is Friday 1 August, after which auditions will be held at the Joburg Theatre and, facilitated by Joburg Ballet’s Development Programme, also in Soweto, Olifantsfontein and Alexandra to choose the competing groups who will perform at the Joburg Theatre in September.

Competing groups must commit to performing in the preliminary rounds as well as in the finals and performing in both rounds is a condition of participation. Semi-finals will take place in the Joburg Ballet studios at the Joburg Theatre.

Groups must comprise of five or more dancers; all dance styles are welcome and each work may be no longer than 4 minutes. No sets or props may be used and basic stage lighting will be provided onstage.

Three selected groups will perform at each La Bayadère and Nutcracker performance, either before the showor during the interval.On the final day of the programme, Sunday 28 September at 11am, all groups that participated in the programme will re-assemble for a competition after which the winners will be announced and the prizes and awards presented.

A wide range of awards will be presented, with awards going to the winning groups as well specific awards to individual participants for which all will be eligible, not just the dancers in the finalist groups. In addition to the cash awards and other prizes, performing opportunities will be awarded by the celebrity judges. Entrants will also receive discounted tickets to La Bayadère and The Nutcracker. The judging panel will feature well-known personalities from the dance and entertainment field and the judges will be looking for a “wow!” factor and dance that combines entertainment with solid technique.