A group of LBC members attended a rehearsal by choreographer, composer and Ballet Black dancer Mthuthuzeli November at Central School of Ballet on Saturday 5th March 2022. This visit was arranged following the school receiving a financial contribution as part of the LBC’s 75th Anniversary Choreographic Awards. Their award was specifically for new choreography by Mthuthu, for their final year students’ Ballet Central performances.
Mthuthu explained the piece is to have a celebratory feel. To convey to the students the mood for the piece, he conjured the image of enjoying a magnificent sunset from Chapman’s Peak Drive in his native Cape Town, with a group of your best friends, the mountains behind your back as you watch the sun setting over the sea together.
He then reviewed existing sections of the choreography and overlaid the music he’d composed to accompany it. He amended movements and clarified emphasis, as well as creating new sections and changing the group interactions. After this session, the students continue to rehearse those sections awaiting his next creative session in a week’s time.
The atmosphere throughout was inspiring and joyous, with Mthuthu’s creativity inspiring the students to jam along with him to collaborate on new sections. It was a rare privilege to witness this unique creation taking shape in this way. I’m sure all who attended would highly recommend attending a performance. It will be joyful indeed!
Photo credit: Ash