Celebrated choreographer Dane Hurst appointed as artistic director of Joburg Ballet

 

Dane Hurst has been appointed the new artistic director of Joburg Ballet. Picture: Joburg Ballet

In a significant move for South African ballet, Dane Hurst, a celebrated director and choreographer, has been appointed the new Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet. 

The announcement, made during an event in Johannesburg, came from the Joburg Ballet Board Chairperson, Melanie de Nysschen, who praised Hurst's extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the world of dance.

In her address, de Nysschen highlighted the qualities the company sought in its next leader: a bold artistic vision, an ability to honour classical traditions while embracing contemporary South African and African influences, and strong international connections within the ballet world.

She expressed confidence in Hurst’s potential to elevate Joburg Ballet, noting that his artistic vision and international background position him as an ideal leader for the company.

Hurst, who has served as the ballet company’s Interim Artistic Director since January, will officially transition into his permanent role at the end of June. 

From July to December this year, he will commute between Johannesburg and London, before relocating permanently to Johannesburg in January 2026.

Reflecting on his appointment, Hurst said: “Returning to South Africa to contribute to the arts in this capacity is an honour and a privilege. I am inspired by the extraordinary talent within the company and its school and look forward to collaborating with the Joburg Ballet team to build on its rich legacy. Together, we will continue to elevate the company, engage with the community, and celebrate the power of dance to inspire, connect, and transform lives.”

Hurst’s journey in dance began with a scholarship from the Nelson Mandela/Linbury Trust and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, which facilitated his enrolment at the prestigious Rambert School in London in 2003. 

He holds an MA in Choreography from the Central School of Ballet at the University of Kent. In 2016, he founded the Moving Assembly Project to use dance to inspire young people, creating a cross-cultural bridge between SA and the UK.

As a choreographer, Hurst has been commissioned by leading UK institutions including Rambert, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Opera North, The Place, the Barbican, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and Whitechapel Art Gallery. In South Africa, his work has been featured by the South African National Dance Trust, Jazzart Dance Theatre, and most recently, Joburg Ballet, for whom he created Resonance as part of the company’s DreamScapes production.

Following a successful season at the Roodepoort Theatre in March and April, DreamScapes will be performed in Sasolburg and Hurst’s hometown of Gqeberha in May.

As Joburg Ballet welcomes this fresh chapter under Hurst’s leadership, the South African arts community eagerly anticipates a new era marked by exploration, creativity, and a celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.