Shall We Dance returns to Durban’s Playhouse with five-show dance extravaganza

Durban’s much-loved dance showcase Shall We Dance returns to The Playhouse Opera for five shows from September 11 to 13.

Now in its fourth decade, the annual production brings together more than 100 amateur dancers, professional performers and dance students for a celebration featuring more than 10 dance styles.

Audiences can expect a colourful mix of ballroom, ballet, Bollywood, Irish dance, hip-hop and Latin dance, accompanied by elaborate costumes, energetic choreography, music and lighting.

International dance stars Egor Kondratenko and Mie Lincke Funch will return for their second appearance. Representing Denmark, the duo arrive following recent competition results that include fifth place in Denmark and third place in Vietnam. They are also set to compete in the Grand Slam and German Opens.

Lisa Bobbert returns as the show’s emcee, while professional ballroom dancers Mark and Edlena Leslie-Smith make their debut as a featured couple.

The husband-and-wife team have danced together for 25 years, including performances in Belgium, Canada and Spain, and most recently competed in Japan at the World Professional Ballroom Dance Championships.

The production is created by dancers Caryl Cusens and Neville Letard and is presented by the South African Dance Teachers Association in association with The Playhouse Company.

The showcase aims to celebrate the enjoyment, talent, camaraderie and confidence that can come from being part of a dance group, while bringing professional dancers together with local studios and students from the International School of Performing Arts.

IOL