The Cape Town City Ballet Company, formerly known as the CAPAB Ballet Company, is a dance company based in Cape Town, South Africa.

History

The Cape Town City Ballet originated from the UCT Ballet Company, which was established by Dulcie Howes in 1934. Dr. Howes was adamant that this dance company would give opportunity to talented individuals, irrespective of race or color. The Company was involved in the founding of Maynardville Open-Air Theatre on 1 December 1950, with its opening performance of Les Sylphides. In 1963 the Cape Town City Ballet Company took over management of the Maynardville theater's ballet performances. The company became the CAPAB (Cape Performing Arts Board) Ballet Company under the directorship of David Poole. The company initially benefited from government spending on the arts; its 60-strong company staged lavish productions at the Artscape Theatre Centre (previously known as the Nico Malan in Cape Town), toured to the 1820 Settlers National Monument Theatre in Grahamstown, the Civic Theatre in Johannesburg, and the Port Elizabeth Opera House. Funding from the government stopped in 1994. In 1997 the company became Cape Town City Ballet, a non-profit organization under the leadership of Elizabeth Triegaardt. Professor Triegaardt was both the executive director of the company and the director of the UCT School of Dance. Professor Triegaardt remained on the Board of Directors for the Cape Town City Ballet until April 2019. Afterwards, former principal ballerina, Tracy Li filled the position of Acting Executive Director from April to September 2018. Debbie Turner, the current CEO, took office in 2018.

Notable members

Guest artists

These have included the following dancers:

Repertoire

Cape Town City Ballet mainly performs versions of traditional classics reworked by resident choreographer, Veronica Paeper.

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