If you’re a true theatre lover like me – especially when it comes to the ballet – you might understand my frustration with people not honouring the arts by dressing the part. Somehow, over the years, the dress code for theatregoers has wilted, with many arriving in shorts, jeans and well, effortless outfits, to say the least. Now, Joburg Ballet is soon bringing out the big guns with a brand-new production: Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I’d like to encourage you to bring out the big guns with your outfit! It’s not every day that you get to dress up for a theatre production and celebrate the arts!
Between 4 and 13 October 2024, Willy Wonka’s incredible chocolate factory will take shape on stage at the Joburg Theatre – a dazzling world premiere, choreographed by Mario Gaglione, with an original score by Mark Cheyne and Andrew Botha as design consultant. This will be Gaglione’s first full-length ballet, featuring the principals, soloists and company of Joburg Ballet, the dancers of WGRUV Dance Company, Joburg Ballet Academy and Joburg Ballet School.
What do the ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ dancers suggest you wear?
Since I am incredibly serious about how I believe one should dress for a night out at the theatre, I’ve taken some cues from the lead dancers themselves, to bring you some chocolate-themed inspiration! While I am all for dressing up for the theatre, they encourage you to have some fun as you plan your outfit for the show.
Tammy Higgins urges those coming to watch the show to join in on their theme of chocolate brown and gold and I am all for it. “For the ladies, a simple blazer suit, brown dress accessorized with gold, or for the more daring, a sequined gold top or jacket. For the gentlemen, a classic brown suit with either beige or gold for the brave. This is the chance to go all out and join in on Willy Wonka’s land of magic! Sparkle, sparkle!”
According to Cristina Nakos, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such a fun and adventurous ballet. “I don’t think there are any rights or wrongs when it comes to your outfit for your outing to the ballet, but if you’re looking to dress up according to the theme, the more out there, the better! The story is so colourful and marvelous and decadent.” So, this is your chance to have some fun while planning your outfit for the ballet… Cristina’s ideas on what she would imagine using as inspiration for her outfit, include a vintage fan made of chocolate blocks and a brown A-line dress with a satin Lindt-branded band around the waste. For the men, her inspiration is just as out there, with proper white gloves, a vintage top hat, a bold red tailcoat, somewhat mismatched outfits with reds, blues and orange, waistcoats with glistening buttons and more.
Monike Cristina, who dances together with Revil Yon, agrees that there is no right or wrong. For her, it’s about the feeling of happiness and having a moment away from reality. “This season will be very colourful and funny,” she says. So, put on your creative hat and have some fun with your outfit for the upcoming season of Joburg Ballet’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Last, but not least, Ryoko suggests you come in your favourite attire – something colourful.
Find your favourite fashion pieces for the theatre here
So, I suppose ultimately, what you wear to the ballet is your prerogative. Choc-inspired theatre attire, or colourful, playful outfits that are bound to add yet another bit of fun to the fanfare will all get the green light.
Here are some of my favourites from what I could spot in the shops and online:
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For tickets to Joburg Ballet’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, visit www.webtickets.co.za, selected branches of Pick n Pay or call 0861 670 670. The ballet of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented in association with the Roald Dahl Story Company.
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