Put on your dancing shoes and head down to The Playhouse for the milestone 30th anniversary of the “Shall We Dance” production.
Durban’s biggest dance extravaganza will be on from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15.
The annual spring production will showcase a range of dance styles including ballroom, Latin American, traditional and contemporary ballet.
It will also feature toe-tapping Irish performances as well as Bollywood, smooth tap and some elegant show dancing, with the music ranging from Tico Tico to Michael Bublé and ABBA.
Presented by the South African Dance Teachers Association, the festival is directed by dance stalwarts Neville Letard and Caryl Cussens, who has been involved with the production since its inception.
The milestone anniversary will be celebrated in grand style, with music teacher and local star, Marion Loudon returning as the show’s host for the third consecutive year.
Loudon will have audience on their feet as she belts out a number or two alongside talented local dancers.
Meanwhile, Cussens said that they have planned something special and hoped that Durbanites will come out in their numbers to support the show.
In addition, appearing for the third time is seven-times professional champions, Nicolai Bouet from Denmark and Anna Shagalina from Ukraine.
The pair have previously starred in the 2015 and 2016 editions of “Shall We Dance”.
The ballroom dancing champions will light up the stage with their version of sport dancing.
They are joined by newcomers, Latin American specialists, Egor Kondratenko from Russia and Mie Funch from Denmark.
Kondratenko and Funch have represented Denmark in the European and World Championships and were semi-finalists in the 2023 Grand Slam.
“To commemorate three decades of dance excellence, we are excited to welcome our international dancers.
“These celebrated performers will bring their exceptional talents and electrifying presence to our stage, promising an unforgettable experience for all dance enthusiasts,” said Letard and Cussens.
The much-anticipated event promises a dazzling showcase of dance and music.
Dance-lovers are invited to witness the artistry and athleticism of world-class dancers at the 30th “Shall We Dance” extravaganza.
Where: The Playhouse Opera Theatre in Durban Central.
When: Friday, September 13, at 7pm, Saturday, September 14, at 1pm and 5pm, and Sunday, September 15, at 11am and 3pm.
Cost: Tickets range from R120 to R180 and are available through Webtickets.
“Music en Masse 2024”
The British Cultural & Heritage Association are putting on “the biggest orchestra ever seen in Durban” with their “Music en Masse 2024” concert.
The participative and fun orchestral concert aims to bring together musicians of all ages and cultures in KZN for the mega performance.
It will feature a varied programme of orchestral favourites and eclectic musical numbers such as Texidor’s “Amporita Rocca”, Alfredo Mazzucchi and Eduardo di Capua’s “O Solo Mio” and Mozart’s “Non Piu Andrai”.
Among the performers are, Jitske Brien on violin, Nina Watson on piano and vocalists, Ramze Williams, Walther De Bruin and Grace McIlroy.
To participate or for more information, contact: 031 202 6174.
Where: DLI Hall in Greyville.
When: Sunday, September 15, at 2.30pm.
Cost: Tickets are R100 for adults, R80 for pensioners and R50 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day or directly from the Berea Bowling Club office between 9am and 1pm.
André Rieu’s 2024 Maastricht Concert: “Power of Love”
Dutch violinist and conductor, André Rieu is ready to blow the audience away with his brand new cinema concert, “Power of Love”.
From his picturesque hometown of Maastricht, Rieu will be accompanied by his world famous Johann Strauss Orchestra.
The cinematic concert by one of the world’s most prolific artists promises to be the music event of the summer.
In a concert overflowing with passion, Rieu’s unique repertoire combines classical, musicals, pop and rock.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Vrijthof square, Rieu will perform iconic film scores, beautiful waltzes, tear-jerking ballads and unexpected chart hits.
Where: The Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo.
When: Saturday, September 14, at 7pm, and Sunday, September 15, at 2pm.
Cost: Tickets are R150 and can be purchased through Webtickets.