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Photo by John Hogg
The South African Ballet Theatre Development programme achieves good results in Cecchetti examinations:
Thirty eight dancers from The South African Ballet Theatre's Development programme entered Cecchetti examinations for the first time in 2010. Five dancers entered the pre-primary examination with Tireletso Marate receiving an A aggregate. For the Pre-Primary examinations, 13 dancer were entered with five dancers receiving an A aggregate.
Mbalenhle Mashini, Koketso Mangena, Nhlanhla Rauleka, Katlego Maduma and Nolwazi Tshabalala received an A aggregate for the Primary level examination and Musa Makhubela received an A+ aggregate.
Kutlwano Lebo Mahlasela achieved an A+ aggregate with Sindisiwe Simelane and Potlako Modisakeng achieving an A aggregate for the Test 1 examination. Nomthadandazo Nkosi received an A+ aggregate for the Test 2 examination along with Patricia Nkwanyana and Nomfundo Nkosi who each achieved an A aggregate. Jonathan Rakgatlha received a B+ for Test 3.
The SABT Development School is active in Soweto, Alexandra, Katlehong, Melville and Sophiatown with over 250 dancers being taught afternoon ballet class. Learners age from five to sixteen learn movement, body, spatial and language skills through their regular ballet training. The SABT aims to select talented learners for further training at the Academy and finally, for employment with the Company. The learners are encouraged to develop a new South African dance identity incorporating the ballet technique and their own movement vocabulary. Learners receive free transport to and from classes and rehearsal. The dancers from the Development School regularly participate in the professional Company’s major productions. The year culminates in the annual year end concert at the where learners perform for teachers, parents, friends and members of the media.
The South African Ballet Theatre is based at The Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein Johannesburg. The Company’s two state-of-the art studios and offices overlook the busy CBD.