“Letters of Reflection” by WGRUV Dance company will take to the stage of the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre over five performances from 9-13 April 2025. The performance highlights seven original works created by Holly and Lex Gruver, as well as highlighting a much-loved piece by American choreographer Tyler Gilstrap called “Unsquared”. Each letter communicates an aspect of different, thought-provoking themes through the technical and free movement the company’s contemporary ballet-trained dancers excel at. The dancers emote a clean, fresh, hopeful look, bringing a moving, soulful quality to the stage.
Each of the seven pieces in the production unfold like a letter – deeply personal yet universally resonant – exploring themes that challenge, inspire and move through a seamless blend of technical precision and expressive freedom.
How we think about life shapes our attitudes and behaviors and the show’s narrative is a profound exploration of memories of goodness, truth and beauty through a series of intimate, poetic choreographic moments. From neoclassical to contemporary artistry, each “letter” awakens our senses – all of us, both young and old – to observe
the world with fresh eyes.
This stirring performance delves into the impact of love, loss, work and relationships, examining the lies we may believe, the doubts they create and the power of community to redirect our vision toward a hopeful future. The mesmerising original choreography showcases the versatility of the company, creating both a visually stunning and
spiritually enriching experience.
Holly Gruver is the founder of the WGRUV Dance Company. She has choreographed a portfolio of contemporary and neoclassical works since her time in Africa over the past decade including musical theatre production involvement and training dancers. Her past dance experience includes a Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University as well as intensive training in the Martha Graham technique and performing with the meadows dance ensemble.
Lex Gruver is founding member of WGRUV as the assistant Co-Director of the company. He has choreographed several neoclassical and contemporary works working in collaboration with Holly and others. Lex dances with the company as a First Artist and he also teaches ballet.
Tyler Gilstrap was a founding member of the Battleworks Dance Company alongside Robert Battle, who went on to be Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She was the associate choreographer for the 2014. Sochi Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Her company TunanuT has created events for, among many others,
the Panorama Music Festival and the Figment Festival NYC and she has been on faculty at Montclair State University, Joffrey Ballet School, New York Dance Project and Peridance Capezio.
As movement speaks, reflections unfold and dance becomes a powerful conversation, making “Letters of Reflection” a captivating encounter. Join WGRUV Dance Company for an evening of artistry, meaning and breathtaking dance. Tickets are available from webtickets.co.za and cost between R100 and R220. ENDS
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“LETTERS OF REFLECTION”
JOHANNESBURG:
Venue: Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre
Dates & Show Times: Thursday, 10 April at 19h00 (Preview performance)
Friday, 11 April at 19h00 (Opening night)
Saturday, 12 April at 15:00 (Matinee)
Sunday, 13 April at 15:00 (Matinee)
Ticket prices: General: R220, Pensioner: R180, Block bookings (10+): R100
Bookings: webtickets.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: wgruvdance.com
Facebook: WGRUV Dance International
Instagram: WGRUV Dance
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