Breathtaking ballet at show

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - This past weekend, the Townsend-Geldenhuys School of Ballet staged their Year End Showcase and prize-giving at the George Arts Theater.

The public matinee performance on Saturday showed an overwhelming interest from dance lovers, with the theater almost fully booked.

The showcase comprised of two acts, opening with a contemporary piece "Fix You" as a tribute to the pupils.

The piece was choreographed and performed by the teachers, Abigail Geldenhuys, Jané Odendaal and Bradley Zeelie.

Exam solos from the Cecchetti exams, taken at the end of October, were performed in the first half of the programme.

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The second half of the showcase was opened by a new piece, Maniia, choreographed by Bradley Zeelie. With this performance Zeelie paid homage to the strength and courage of woman.

The rest of the second act was devoted to a variety of dances, presented by each class.

Students transformed on stage into autumn leaves, pirates, ice skaters and sweeties, much to the excitement of all the siblings and parents watching their darlings on stage.

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Abigail Geldenhuys, co-owner and teacher at the dance school, said the Cecchetti exams proved highly successful, with 86 candidates who entered.

Bradley Zeelie was awarded the Eastern Cape Cecchetti Intermediate Award for 2017, achieving 92% for his Intermediate Exam.

"Having entered the George Dance Eisteddfod in August, our pupils excelled and four groups were Overall Winners," said Geldenhuys. 'Pas de Quatre' choreographed by Geldenhuys was awarded Best Classical Quartet.

'Forever Friends', danced by the Test 5 class as a farewell to Ashlè von Pletzen, sitting (at the back) on the shoulders of Bradley Zeelie. With them are Isabella Kohne, Jenelle van Wyk, Amy van Schalkwyk, Erin Shackleton and Chloè Erasmus.

'Is That Alright' won Best Contemporary Duet. 'For Leah', choreographed by Diana Townsend, won Best 16 and Over Amateur Ballet Group, and 'This Years Love' choreographed by Bradley Zeelie was awarded Overall Winner of the Dance Eisteddfod with 96%.

Geldenhuys expressed her heartfelt thanks to all pupils and their parents for the year's successes.

"We look forward to 2018 when we stage Beauty and the Beast in October at the George Civic Centre," said Geldenhuys.