Bank Windhoek supports ‘Swan, The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova’

WINDHOEK, SEPT. 13 – Bank Windhoek in collaboration with the National Ballet School, will stage ‘Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova’ at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) from Wednesday, 19 until Saturday, 22 September 2018.

The classical ballet production, performed by a total of 190 students between the ages of 6 to 19 years, will take audiences through the life of the Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who captivated audiences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Zelrine Verdoes, owner of the National Ballet School, directs and choreographs the production. “The event will give our young students an opportunity to dance on the big stage,” she said.

Solos will be performed by senior students who were recently awarded with special achievement awards by the presiding examiner of the 2017 Cecchetti examination session in Namibia. The production will also feature works from famous choreographers such as Marius Petipa, known for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, Michail Fokine who choreographed ‘La Bayadere’, and, ‘The Dying Swan’ and Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, who together, choreographed ‘Giselle’.

Edward Ward will portray the role of Maestro Enrico Cecchetti, the founder of the Cecchetti method – adopted by the National Ballet School. “Although Pavlova did not have a typical ballerina physical appearance, she had an x-factor that drew audiences to her performances whenever she stepped on stage. She loved to dance,” said Ward.

The National Ballet School stages a production every two to three years at the NTN and gives its students the opportunity to showcase their ballet skills to an appreciative audience. Bank Windhoek’s support assists the Ballet school with costumes for the performance and also covers the booking fees for the venue. “Without the Bank’s support, staging this production would not have possible” said Verdoes.

“Bank Windhoek is committed to the development and growth of the performing arts and the Namibia Ballet School is doing well in promoting ballet in our country. The talent is there, young dancers are thriving, and this is one of those sustainable opportunities that we are proud to be involved in,” said Bank Windhoek’s Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communication, Jacquiline Pack.

Tickets are N$130.00 per person. They are available at the National Ballet School Studio situated at the St. George’s Church Hall in Conradie Street from 13:00 to 18:00. For more information, contact Zelrine Verdoes on Cell: 081 721 0599 or send an email to zelrinevwyk@gmail.com.- NDN Staffer