INTRODUCING KASI BALLET THEATRE

Kasi Ballet Theatre is a new, dynamic and most importantly talented young dance company based in the township of Alexandra. “Kasi” means home, referring to the township (Alexandra) and is the place where we source our talent and train the talented younger ones. Kasi Ballet Theatre is made up of two distinct divisions.

Development Program: Our dedicated, well trained teachers are committed to teaching a level of ballet and other dance forms such as Contemporary, Fusion of dance that surpasses international standards, both on a technical and artistic level. Our company aims to take the dance styles of the township and fuse them with the classical ballet. Through this fusing Kasi Ballet Theatre creates truly South African ballet.

Professional Company: Our company aims to take the dance styles of the township and fuse them with the classical ballet. Through this fusing Kasi Ballet Theatre creates truly South African works. We not only perform in the classical ballet art, our dancers training also includes Contemporary, Afro Fusion, Jazz, Hip-Hop as well as the new and old street dances such
as Pantsula . Kasi Ballet Theatre Professional Company has performed for Zanele Mbeki, MTN, SAB Breweries and many more. The company has nine permanent dancers and also has a database of dancers for use in larger performances.

Kasi Ballet Theatre currently trains 90 pupils from the township and more people from surrounding suburbs. Because these children's situation does not allow for extra cash for lessons, the lessons are provided free of charge. Our dedicated, well trained teachers are committed to teaching South Africans a level of ballet and other dance forms that surpasses international standards, both on a technical and artistic level. Our company aims to take the dance styles of the township and fuse them with the classical ballet. Through this fusing Kasi Ballet Theatre creates truly South African ballet.

The company’s artistic director is Penelope Thloloe who grew up and stays in the community of Alexandra. According to Penelope, Kasi Ballet Theatre is primarily focused on social and cultural development of the youth of Alexandra and surrounding areas.

The introduction of Outcomes Based Education (O.B.E) meant many schools were forced to use their school teachers as ballet, music, art and drama instructors who were obviously ill equipped with the necessary training, expertise and resources to teach these activities. Kasi Ballet Theatre is the tool to help bring the balance and also the platform to display the talent.

Download Kasi Ballet Profile in pdf format.