National Zoo to host ballet gala performance with Joburg Ballet

The National Zoological Gardens (NZG) in Pretoria and Joburg Ballet will host Ballet In The Park on Saturday , 9 November 2013 at 4pm at the zoo. The performance is included in your entrance fee of R66.00 for adults and R44.00 for children. It will feature highlights from ballets seen throughout the year as well as a sneak preview of this season’s performance of the festive classic The Nutcracker, scheduled to open at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria, on 22 November 2013. The show will run until 1 December 2013.

NZG Marketing manager, Craig Allenby, says the performance joins together South Africa’s rich wildlife heritage and its vibrant arts culture. “The performance is is aimed at attracting and exposing a growing numbers of South Africans to conservation. The zoo continually seeks out well aligned partners where the marriage between leisure activity and a strong underlying conservation message will assist the zoo in awareness of environmental issues while simultaneously providing cultural and educational enrichment,” says Allenby.

“The Joburg Ballet is an ardent supporter of conservation efforts,” says Dirk Badenhorst, CEO of Joburg Ballet. The company has in the past performed in aid of rhino conservation. “Visitors to the National Zoo can expect some of South Africa’s top dancers showcasing highlights from the 2013 season as well as a preview of the classic Nutcracker, opening at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria, 22 November.” Ballet In The Park is an African first and features a celebration of dance, showcasing ballet from classic to contemporary.

Visitors are requested to arrive at the National Zoological Gardens, Boom Street, Pretoria by 15:30. The show starts at 16:00 and all are welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets and good cheer.
For more information please contact the National Zoo at [email protected]