The South African Ballet Theatre Challenges Business

Last edited: March 01, 2010

Posted by Business and Arts South Africa

On November 10 2009, the Board of The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) announced that the SABT, although debt-free, was facing severe financial challenges and that, if substantial immediate funding was not found, the Board would have to take robust action to preserve the integrity of the company. By January 2010, an amount of R2 million had been raised, in addition to the R2 million that had already been previously committed to the SABT for 2010. However a further R4 million is needed to enable the SABT to continue with operations as normal and in order for SABT to continue to present world-class productions as well as to maintain the development outreach programmes running in Mamelodi, Eersterus, Katlehong, Alexandra and Soweto.

Le Canard Restaurant in Sandton, who in 2010 celebrates an illustrious 21 years, recently hosted the dancers of SABT at a series of three sold–out fundraising dinner performances entitled ‘Gala Dinner in Nine Acts’ – comprising a gourmet lavish five-course dinner and four ‘acts’ of ballet. The theme of “Nine” was chosen as this month SABT celebrates their 9th birthday. Three more series of dinner productions will be held during the course of this year with the next dinner dates scheduled for May. (Watch press for details).

Chef Patron of Le Canard, Freda Appelbaum and Maitre d’Hotel, Chet Diepraam, both ardent supporters of classical ballet, were also instrumental in “fun” fundraising and managed to raise a staggering total of R80 000 for SABT, as a result of the intimate dinners and pledges. Thrilled with this response, they now join SABT’s challenge to business. Chet Diepraam adds: “We had a spectacular first series of sold-out dinner production benefits for and with SABT. That shows the increasing public demand for world-class ballet in this world-class city. It’s quite astonishing that we, as a little restaurant, with limited resources and capital, can present the SABT with over R50 000 just in ticket sales alone.”

“Now, if we, as a little business, can put some effort into raising much-needed funds, can you just imagine the possibilities out there? Together with SABT we put a challenge to business large and small, in Joburg and Pretoria, national and multi-national South African corporates, to “pull finger and pointe a toe” and make sure that this nation’s gleaming history and culture of classical dance does not, sadly, fall apart. The challenge is to equal or better Le Canard’s first contribution to SABT’s fundraising efforts! Big business is showing social irresponsibility, and that’s shocking!” Le Canard did not take any commissions, administration or production fees. “Just pure and honest fundraising, as it should be, for a really deserving beneficiary”, says Freda.

Bookings are now open for the next Gala Dinner on May 18th and May 19th 2010. As seating is limited because of the ballet performances, patrons are urged to reserve their places as soon as possible by calling Le Canard on 011 884 4597 or email lecanard@icon.co.za