South African Ballet Dancer Returns to His Roots for One Night

South African ballet dancer, Siphe November, returned for one special night to perform in Cape Town City Ballet’s rendition of “Romeo and Juliet” on Thursday, 25 August.

November appeared as Romeo, performing opposite Chanté Daniels as Juliet in Veronica Paeper’s take on the Shakespearean classic at the Artscape Opera House. The cast were accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Brandon Phillips at the helm.

The dancer is currently the Principal Artist of the National Ballet of Canada, with the evening marking the first time he has appeared on a local stage since leaving South Africa.

Born and raised in the rural area of Zolani, Western Cape, November’s skills were quickly recognised internationally. Canada’s National Ballet School began training the star at just 11-years-old.

The CEO of the Cape Town City Ballet, Debbie Turner, spoke with a local publication in the months leading up to the memorable performance. At the time, she said: “Siphe’s rare talent, combined with his unwavering dedication to pursuing excellence in his art form, has seen the meteoric rise of his thus far, illustrious career.

“He is, quintessentially, a role model for young aspiring South African artists studying dance and classical ballet.”

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