The internationally renowned WGRUV Dance Company will be bringing one of its world-class shows to Gqeberha for the first time.
The dance company’s new show Art Effect, exploring movement as an artistic statement and featuring celebrated international choreographers, will be staged at the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex.
The cast of talented performers who will take to the stage from October 30 to November 2 will also feature Anna van den Bergh, who hails from the Bay and has been dancing for WGRUV for almost four years as a first artist.
Van den Bergh started her dancing career at the age of four and when she moved to the Eastern Cape and continued dancing with Marlene Rubidge and Candice Johnstone until she joined WGRUV.
“I am thrilled to be able to be part of bringing the energy of WGRUV’s Art Effect to the stage in my hometown,” she said.
“I was blessed to have received a solid grounding in my years here and am excited to share how far I have come.
“This show is a beautiful blend of artistry and emotion, and it’s an honour to share such inspiring local and international choreography with audiences here in the Bay.
“Dance allows us to express hope and strength in ways words cannot, and I’m excited for everyone to experience that magic.”
Some of the show highlights include Vivace Motifs by New York choreographer Jessica Lang which is a restaging of her refined ballet for six dancers, set to the music of Handel and Corelli.
Through intricate Baroque-inspired gestures, the piece evokes elegance, symmetry and the enduring grace of classical form.
Another is Postures by Lex and Holly Gruver which draws inspiration from the charcoal artistry of visual artist Greatjoy, translating expressive human figures into movement.
With a classical contemporary approach, the piece explores the diverse physical expressions of hope, whether rooted in quiet resolve or joyful release.
Greatjoy Ndlovu is a full-time contemporary artist based in Johannesburg.
His work explores the concept of merging motion and emotion, aiming to convey the inherent connection between physical expressions and emotional cadence.
Holly Gruver is the founder and artistic director of WGRUV Dance Company and has choreographed and staged original works in SA and the US in the past 20 years.
Lex Gruver is assistant director of WGRUV, a Vaganova-trained ballet teacher and choreographer of several original contemporary ballet works including Influence Etched, Lina, Prayer and more.
Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za and cost between R99 and R220 including a performance for pupils on the first show date. Special group and pensioner discounts are available.
The Herald
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