At an elegant event held at Norval Foundation this morning, Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) unveiled a dynamic 2026 season filled with timeless classics, bold re-imaginings and vibrant collaborations that showcase the company’s versatility and artistic excellence. From vintage glamour and gothic storytelling to whimsical fantasy and youth-driven performance, the new year promises an unmissable programme for dance lovers of all ages.
The year opens on a nostalgic note with Swingtime, choreographed by Sean Bovim, which takes audiences on a journey through the Big Band Era. Centred on Bojangles, the owner of the legendary Swing Club, this ballet is a joyful blend of Broadway flair and classical dance, filled with romance, rhythm and nostalgia. Swingtime will be performed at the Maynardville Open-Air Festival on 23 and 24 January, with tickets now available via Quicket.
In March, audiences will be transported into the haunting world of Dracula, choreographed by David Nixon CBE and inspired by Bram Stoker’s gothic novel. Set in Victorian England, this thrilling production follows Jonathan Harker’s ill-fated encounter with Count Dracula in Transylvania, unfolding into a gripping tale of temptation, horror and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Dracula runs at Artscape Theatre from 13 to 29 March.
June sees the stage light up with Veronica Paeper’s glittering production of Orpheus in the Underworld, a glamorous, 1920s-inspired romp loosely based on Jacques Offenbach’s operetta. Featuring flapper girls, Mafia henchmen, a penthouse swimming pool for the gods and music arranged by Michael Tuffin, this witty, high-energy ballet promises laughter, spectacle and irresistible charm. Performances take place at the Artscape Opera House from 12 to 21 June.
On 16 June, the company presents Centre Stage, a one-night-only fundraising gala at the Artscape Opera House. Over 300 dancers from 21 studios and seven genres will unite in celebration of dance, under the ambassadorship of former CTCB principal dancer Laura Bosenberg, alongside Sanette van der Mescht. All proceeds will go directly to supporting the company’s ongoing artistic and community initiatives.
In August, CTCB heads to Durban’s Playhouse Company with the magical Alice in Wonderland, an imaginative retelling of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale, choreographed by Gerard Charles that is set to premier at Artscape in December 2025. With its playful choreography, vivid characters and enchanting storytelling, this production is a feast for the senses and a journey into pure fantasy, performed to recorded music.
September brings two special events: Coppélia – A Celebration of Youth and Ballet, on 19 September at the Joseph Stone Auditorium, and Velvet Feathers, at the Norval Foundation on 26 and 27 September. Coppélia will mark the culmination of a five-month youth development programme, featuring emerging dancers performing alongside CTCB professionals in a heart-warming, humour-filled production. Velvet Feathers is a poetic tribute to the timeless beauty of classical ballet, drawing inspiration from Swan Lake and other great works to celebrate grace, fragility and artistry in an intimate setting.
The year concludes with a festive favourite: The Nutcracker, running from 11 to 30 December at Artscape. Choreographed by Veronica Paeper with sets and costumes by Peter Cazalet, this much-loved production captures the magic of Tchaikovsky’s score and the wonder of Clara’s journey into the Land of Sweets. With ticket prices from R200 to R600, it promises to be the perfect holiday tradition for families and ballet enthusiasts alike.
Additional highlights include a Lunch Hour Concert at Artscape on 3 March and Budding Ballerina workshops at the CTCB Studios on 2 and 9 May, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of ballet through the company’s developmental work.
Says Artistic Manager Tracy Li, “With an inspired blend of classic repertoire, new productions and community engagement, we are so excited to present our 2026 offerings, a wonderful choice of diverse works and exciting events.”
Cape Town City Ballet’s 2026 season reaffirms the company’s place as one of South Africa’s leading cultural institutions, as a company dedicated to preserving the beauty of ballet while inviting audiences to experience it anew.”
Please watch the press and follow @capetowncityballet socials for further announcements regarding box office opening dates for the various productions.
Cape Town City Ballet acknowledges the invaluable support of The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, The City of Cape Town, The Cape Town City Ballet Endowment Trust, The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Primedia Broadcasting and Boschendal, among others.