The Hosking Academy of Dance is excited to present Spellbound, a magical ballet concert set to enchant audiences this coming Saturday, November 2. Under the expert guidance of ballet instructor, Lisle Ferreira, students will bring to life a tale that promises to mesmerise both young and old.
The theme of the production was inspired by the beautiful illustrations of the book Spellbound by Shirley Barber. “The story revolves around a fairy prince and princess who fall in love and are then separated by a magical bracelet. I altered the original storyline and included extra characters to make the story come alive. I remember dressing up with my friends as fairies when we were youngsters, even going to town with my fairy wings and tutu. Which little girl does not want to dress up as a fairy,” Ferreira said, reflecting on her childhood.
Preparation for the concert has been extensive. Ferreira has been collecting different pieces of music for various scenes and choreographing since April this year. Rehearsals began in September, and the learners are eager to showcase their many hours of hard work. The performers, who range in age from 4 to 40 years old, are all currently enrolled in the Hosking Academy of Dance. Ferreira herself has a long history with the academy, having been a student when it was under the reign of Joy Hosking.
“The school has been part of my life since 1989,” she said.
The performance will feature stunning, colourful costumes designed and made by talented ladies in the community: Ansie Rawlins, Vivien McLaughlin, Coba Muller, and Carene Norris from Boetiek Mimosa in Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood).
Ferreira expressed her gratitude to the principal of Despatch Preparatory School, Madeléne Sachse, for hosting the ballet production. “We are extremely thankful to principal Madeléne Sachse from Despatch Preparatory School for hosting our ballet production. We also had leotards made by Little Cherubs in Gqeberha, we’re so grateful for them as well” she said.
There will be two shows on November 2 at Despatch Preparatory School. The first one at 10:00 and the second at 16:00. Tickets are priced at R42.50 and are available via WebTickets and Pick n Pay.
