Food Lover’s Market is thrilled to celebrate its 20-year partnership with Debbie Turner this year, a relationship that has significantly shaped the landscape of South African ballet and dance. This announcement highlights a shared commitment to nurturing local artistic talent and fostering a vibrant cultural community.
A Long-Standing Partnership
For two decades, Food Lover’s Market has unwaveringly supported Cape Ballet Africa and its predecessor organisations, spearheaded by Debbie Turner. This partnership has enabled countless South African artists to develop and sustain impactful careers in ballet and dance, enriching the nation’s cultural heritage.
“Our collaboration with Cape Ballet Africa underscores our dedication to supporting South African culture and developing home-grown artistic talent,” said Shaneen Coppin, Food Lover’s Market and Cape Ballet Africa Board Member. “Through Cape Ballet Africa, we can nourish and enrich the lives in the communities we serve as South Africa’s largest privately owned retailer through our support of developing aspiring dancers.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Cape Ballet Africa, under the transformative leadership of Artistic Director Debbie Turner, has become a beacon of excellence and innovation in the South African arts community. The company’s mission is to achieve a global reputation for excellence in ballet and dance, inspiring new generations to appreciate the art form. “Food Lover’s Market is largely responsible for the development of a whole generation of artists that would not be artists if it wasn’t for their investment and support through the years,” said Debbie Turner. “Cape Ballet Africa is a blank canvas that we are painting on as we speak, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey together.”
Shared Vision and Future Aspirations
Food Lover’s Market and Cape Ballet Africa are united by a vision of bringing communities together through the power of art. This collaboration has provided financial support and fostered a sense of community and belonging among artists and audiences alike. “It is so important that opportunities are given to South African artists to be employed in their own country,” said Terri Coppin-Harris, Food Lover’s Market Culture & Communications Manager and Cape Ballet Africa Board Member. “If we want to be the best store in every community that we serve, we need to look after that community. Supporting local talent is a significant part of that commitment.”
Upcoming Performances: “SALT”
Cape Ballet Africa’s first performance under this renewed partnership will be “SALT,” running at the Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter from 21 to 28 September. The programme features a captivating triple bill of new South African choreographic works by Kirsten Isenberg, Mthuthuzeli November, and Michelle Reid.
Kirsten Isenberg’s “Reverie”: A neoclassical work set to Rachmaninov’s Concerto No 2 in C Minor, exploring meditative and reflective themes.
Mthuthuzeli November’s “Chapter Two”: A modern percussive work with a purpose-commissioned score by Peter Johnson, showcasing rhythmic body isolations and lightning-quick movements.
Michelle Reid’s “Smoke”: A vibrant piece costumed in hot red, inspired by the iconic Brubeck Take Five, blending jazz influences with Reid’s unique movement language.
In an exciting addition to the programme, international guest artist Brandon Lawrence of Ballett Zürich will partner Cape Ballet Africa’s Camille Bracher at every performance in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto adagio pas de deux, by kind permission of The Kenneth MacMillan Estate.
Tickets for “SALT” can be purchased through Webtickets, with discounts available for block bookings and pensioners. Buy Tickets here: Salt by Cape Ballet Africa.
Join the conversation:
Follow Cape Ballet Africa on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Instagram: Cape Ballet Africa
Facebook: Cape Ballet Africa
TikTok: Cape Ballet Africa
Website: Cape Ballet Africa
Food Lover’s Market remains dedicated to enriching the communities it serves and looks forward to continuing its support of Cape Ballet Africa and the next generation of South African talent.
Food Lover’s Market – Committed to Community, Culture, and Excellence.
#CapeBalletAfrica #FoodLoversMarket #SupportLocalTalent #SouthAfricanBallet
