Aterballetto in South Africa for the First Time

For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, Aterballetto is on tour in South Africa.

The tour, taking place from 8 to 12 November, is part of the ITALIA DANZA project — a co-production by the Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy (MAECI) and CCN/Aterballetto — with the invaluable support of the Italian Embassy in Pretoria and the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria, which will make free admission possible for all performances.

Three South African cities — Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, and Pretoria — will host Aterballetto with the performance DREAMERS, composed of three choreographies that mark key milestones in the company’s artistic journey and its commitment to nurturing a new generation of choreographers.

The evening opens with Preludio by Diego Tortelli, a choreographer with whom the company has collaborated for many years — a tribute to the body, a prayer in motion set to the haunting music of Nick Cave.

It continues with O, a duet by Philippe Kratz, former Aterballetto dancer and now an internationally acclaimed choreographer. The piece won first prize at the 32nd International Choreographic Competition Hannover (2018) and still mesmerizes audiences worldwide.

The performance concludes with Alpha Grace, also by Philippe Kratz — a reflection for six dancers on empathy as a form of communication, now more essential than ever.

A tour that marks an important new milestone in the company’s international journey, bringing Italian contemporary dance into dialogue with new audiences and new horizons.

https://youtu.be/ngxclM2KxLM

Tour dates

The tour will also include a masterclass for 20 dancers in Johannesburg, led by the company on Saturday, 8 November, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the U.J. Arts & Culture Center.

Published On: 29 October 2025