It’s not every day that you see a professional ballet dancer in rehearsal with a watch on his wrist, but Ballett Zürich soloist Brandon Lawrence is not every day. The British dancer, who will partner Cape Ballet Africa’s Camille Bracher in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto pas de deux in the company’s inaugural season, typically wears an Apple watch. Still, because he travelled a lot during July his “back–up” Casio was the perfect accessory. The digital watch also has a date display.
You’d think that the accessory choice inside and outside the rehearsal room would automatically link to a dancer’s finely tuned sense of timing and rhythm, but with Brandon, it’s quite the opposite. When asked why keeping time is important to him, he replies: “I enjoy wearing the accessory rather than time being important.”
“Brandon is a scintillating, consummate artist and we are delighted to welcome him back to Cape Town to partner our very own Camille Bracher,” says Cape Ballet Africa Artistic Director Debbie Turner. “It is fitting they are performing together, as both have danced for Royal Ballet companies for 10 years – Brandon with Birmingham Royal Ballet and Camille at The Royal Ballet. We extend our grateful thanks to Cathy Marston, director and choreographer extraordinaire at Ballett Zürich for making this partnership possible.”
“It’s an enormous privilege to be invited to dance at Cape Ballet Africa’s inaugural performances this September. The company is packed full of heart and drive which is the recipe for success,” says Brandon. Cape Ballet Africa reimagines ballet by blending the discipline of classical technique with the vibrant heritage of South African culture. This unique expression, which aligns with the global dance landscape while remaining proudly African, fosters a bold artistic identity rooted in exceptional quality. The company’s celebration of diversity through its performers and repertory makes everyone feel included and valued, while its distinctive elegance, refinement, and audacious grace captivate the audience.
Cape Ballet Africa’s SALT runs at the Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter in Cape Town at 7.30 pm from September 21–28. There is a matinee on the final day. The programme also features a triple bill of new ballets by South African choreographers Kirsten Isenberg, Mthuthuzeli November and Michelle Reid, each bringing a unique perspective and style to the stage. The Cape Ballet Africa Company of dancers is composed of Camille Bracher, Gabriel Ravenscroft, Gemma Trehearn, Jan Kotze, Joshua Williams, Julia O’Keeffe, Kayla Schultze, Kingsley Beukes, Mia Coomber, Nicolas Laubscher, Nina Simpson, and Quinton Jacobs.
Tickets are available at Webtickets.
