Right royal time with 'Queen of Dance'
[caption id="attachment_35881" align="alignright" width="405"] IN STEP: Merle Khan, front, and fellow dancers rehearse for the 'Under Pressure' number in the 'Queen of Dance' show on at the Opera House. PHOTOGRAPH: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]
AN HOUR of uninterrupted contemporary dance, beautiful music and fabulous costumes is on the cards in award-winning choreographer Candice Johnstone's latest show, Queen of Dance , which opened at the PE Opera House last night.
The show boasts the talents of a "strong cast of very disciplined dancers pushing boundaries with their creative movement and choreography," Johnstone said.
Inspired by Freddie Mercury and the music of Queen, the show also features music ranging from Abba, The Meadow from the Twilight Saga and the theme song from Schindler's List.
Johnstone was quick to admit the production draws from music of vastly different genres but, said this has been done on purpose. According to her, some music is appropriate to the subject at hand and some are simply her current favourites.
Pushing students to fulfil their maximum potential is high on Johnstone's agenda as she aims to ensure they accomplish as much as she has – and even more.
And achieve she has. Her FNB Vita Award for most-promising female dancer in contemporary style in 1993 stands as testament to this.
Three dancers, who all cut their teeth under Johnstone's tutelage, are also proving that talent emanating from the Bay is not lacking.
Richard Vorster, Delray Burns and Jeffrey Socia are all shining on international stages with Vorster currently touring the UK and Ireland in the National Theatre's War Horse, Burns features as a dancer and ensemble member in the UK touring production of the musical Show Boat and Socia formed part of the 25th anniversary cast of Starlight Express in Germany last year.
Describing her dance career as "one big highlight", Johnstone cited shaking hands with the late Nelson Mandela following dancing at his inauguration in 1994 as one of her most special memories.
Tonight, youngsters like 18-year-old Bianca Bosch will take to the stage to show they too have what it takes to make it big. Bosch, a Theodor Hertzl High pupil, will perform in five of the show's pieces – one of which is a solo.
Bosch is one of Johnstone's first pupils – she has been with the school since the tender age of six.
Recently injured, the dedicated dancer has not let this stop her from pursuing her dreams.
"I don't have other plans with my life except dancing, so I will keep fighting for that dream because it is not just a hobby; it's my life," Bosch said.
Tickets for tonight's show are available at Computicket at R120. - Sinesipho Mbandazayo
