Roodepoort Theatre is the next stop in WGRUV Dance Company’s tour
Art Effect by WGRUV Dance Company continues its national tour, with the next performances taking place at Roodepoort Theatre this November.
The show’s run at the UJ Arts Centre in Auckland Park from 10-12 October garnered rave reviews, with audience comments on WGRUV’s social media accounts reflecting the impact of many different aspects of the show: “Wow! Totally amazing!”; “Art in motion”; “Beautiful – loved it!”; “World class”; “Loved the African beats” and “Truly beautiful, powerful show.”
On arts and culture website pARTicipate, arts writer Bruce Dennill noted: “The soundtrack is driven by the percussion of Tommy Gruver and Decius Pitjadi, as in sync as the dancers as they play quick, intricate rhythms”; “The upward trajectory of relatively new dance company WGRUV continues apace with Art Effect” and “…energises the room, ensuring the audience leaves on a high.”
Art Effect features a dynamic fusion of classical technique, personal expression and cultural narrative, bringing together four choreographic voices and exploring movement as an artistic statement.
“Vivace Motifs” by New York choreographer Jessica Lang is a restaging of her refined ballet for six dancers, set to the music of Handel and Corelli and featuring Baroque-inspired gestures. “Postures” by Lex and Holly Gruver includes a collaboration with visual artist Greatjoy Ndlovu, translating the expressive the charcoal artistry of his human figures into movement and using a classical contemporary approach to explore physical expressions of hope. Neoclassical duet “Game On” by American dancer and choreographer Lauren Lovette playfully captures the spirit of competition. “Rosie” by Roseline Wilkins of Vuyani Dance marks WGRUV’s debut in African contemporary vocabulary. This personal and emotive work includes the sounds of live percussionists Decius Pitjadi and Tommy Gruver.
The Roodepoort season of Art Effect is something of homecoming for three WGRUV dancers. Lisa Stapelberg grew up in the West Rand, began dancing professionally at 17 and joined WGRUV a year later, in 2023. Jenna Grove and Nicola Tolmay both attended St Catherine’s Convent School in Roodepoort (at different times), while growing up nearby. Jenna, 19, loves the way dance can tell stories and share joy, while Nicola, 22, still resident in the area gained much of her early experience competing in the Roodepoort Dance Festival between 2009 and 2024.
WGRUV Director Holly Gruver, says:
“We can’t wait to perform for Roodepoort audiences again. We love the Roodepoort theatre and this show is such a wonderful mix of different creative ideas.”
Art Effect is a collaboration of art, music and dance that creates a stage performance that will touch the heart and engage the mind.
Connect with WGRUV Dance Company on social media:
Facebook | Instagram
Hashtags:
#LettersOfReflection #WGRUVDance #WGRUVDanceCompany #WGRUV2025 #TylerGilstrap #Unsquared
Show Information:
WGRUV Dance Company – Art Effect
Johannesburg
Venue:
Roodepoort Theatre
Dates & Show Times:
05 to 07 November 2025
Wednesday, 05 November at 14h00 (Kids show)
Thursday, 06 November at 19h30
Friday, 07 November at 19:30
Ticket prices:
R220 general, R170 pensioner, R155 groups of 10 or more
R99 for children under 12
Bookings:
Available through Webtickets
About WGRUV
WGRUV is dedicated to bringing innovative and captivating dance performances to audiences, blending classical techniques with contemporary narratives. With a commitment to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, WGRUV continues to inspire and engage with each season.
