Ten dancers timidly balance en pointe with their backs to the audience while Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Swan plays. So opens HATCHED ENSEMBLE. While hiding their faces, they display small, handcrafted ironwork sculptures. The captivating choreography is the brainchild of South African artist Mamela Nyamza, who unapologetically demystifies and deconstructs the history of dance while trampling the norms and standards of the classics. Using simple household materials – clothes pegs, a clothes line, plastic ponchos and red aprons – the dancers evoke images of domestic labour that evolve in precise and touching fashion. Referencing Western classical music, dance and South African vocal scores, they juxtapose the movement vocabularies of diverse cultures. The dancers convey deeply personal stories that challenge race and gender norms, their movements peppered with moments of miniaturised ballet performed with frantic, joyful release. Minor gestures and major sensitivity combine to open up an entire universe unknown to dance history, overflowing with urgency and subtle virtuosity.

“A groundbreaking and innovative project that challenges the traditional norms of ballet dance.”
Kedibone Modise

“HATCHED ENSEMBLE powerfully conveys challenging issues of tradition. An insightful, thought-provoking, and deeply moving production.”
Sivenathi Gosa