WGRUV Dance Company to warm fans with “Highlights” this winter
Following a successful opening run of their 2026 season and new production “Juxtapose” at Johannesburg’s Roodepoort Theatre and the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex in Gqeberha, independent dance company WGRUV Dance Company (pronounced “W-Groove”) will introduce another new work in Johannesburg in the coming months. Highlights will debut at the Roodepoort Theatre from 9 to 12 July before moving to the UJ Arts Centre from 20 to 23 August and then to the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town from 27 to 29 August 2026.
Highlights: Tracing the Line is a celebration of choreographic excellence drawn from some of the most compelling voices in contemporary and classical ballet. Following the success of “Juxtapose” earlier this season, Highlights offers something both familiar and fresh: a curated collection of audience favourites and new discoveries, brought to life by WGRUV’s artists with the precision and passion the company is known for.
The programme brings together works by internationally acclaimed choreographer Jessica Lang, whose craftsmanship has defined a generation of neo-classical ballet; Jesse Obremski, whose visceral movement language cuts to the heart of human connection; Michael Trusnovec, a master of quiet power and sculptural clarity; and WGRUV’s own Holly Gruver and Lex Gruver, whose collaborative choreographic voice continues to mature into something distinctly their own.
Together, the works explore the fundamental language of the body – line, colour, weight, and meaning – in a programme designed not merely to be watched, but to be felt.
WGRUV Artistic Director Holly Gruver says:
“We wanted to offer our audiences an experience at the theatre that fills them. Each work traces something – a gesture, a story, an emotion – and together they form a line from the stage to the heart. This is dance with purpose. Dance that leaves you more alive than when you arrived.”
From the architecture of a perfectly held line to the explosion of movement in full colour, Highlights is a performance that reminds audiences why they come to the theatre: to be seen, to be moved, and to be reminded that beauty is never incidental — it is always intentional.
On the Thursday afternoons just prior to the show opening in all three cities, WGRUV is hosting a dress rehearsal at 16h00 for students and school groups followed by a Q&A session with the WGRUV dancers. Tickets cost R99 per student. To book, contact tanya@wgruvdance.com
WGRUV Dance Company (NPC 2022/508213/08), founded by Holly Gruver, is Johannesburg’s contemporary ballet company, dedicated to communicating hope through world-class artistic storytelling. Based in Bryanston, the company works with South African and international choreographers to produce work of depth, beauty, and cultural significance across South Africa and beyond.
Book now for Highlights and make sure to diarise WGRUV’s remaining three runs for the year: “Angels In Africa” from 12 to 15 November at the UJ Arts Centre and 15 to 20 December at the Roodepoort Theatre, with performances at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex provisionally planned for 2 to 7 November.
Holly Gruver says:
“In these three new works that we have created – ‘JUXTAPOSE’, ‘Highlights’ and ‘Angels In Africa’ – we have a beautiful programme for 2026 that can be defined by saying. ‘One Line. Three Visions. Infinite Humanity’.”
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Show Information:
WGRUV Dance Company – Highlights
Johannesburg
Venue:
Roodepoort Theatre
Dates & Show Times:
9 to 12 July 2026
Thursday, 9 July at 16h00
Friday, 10 July at 19h00
Saturday, 11 July at 15h00
Sunday, 12 July at 15h00
Ticket prices:
All performances: R220, R250, R280, R300
Groups: 5-plus tickets – 10% discount. Ten-plus tickets – 20% discount. Valid only on first two prices.
Bookings:
Available through Webtickets
Venue:
UJ Arts Centre
Dates & Show Times:
20 to 23 August 2026
Thursday, 20 August at 16h00
Friday, 21 August at 19h00
Saturday, 22 August at 15h00
Sunday, 23 August at 15h00
Ticket prices:
All performances: R220, R250, R280, R300
Groups: 5-plus tickets – 10% discount. Ten-plus tickets – 20% discount. Valid only on first two prices.
Bookings:
Available through Webtickets
Cape Town
Venue:
Homecoming Centre
Dates & Show Times:
27 to 29 August 2026
Thursday, 27 August at 16h00
Friday, 28 August at 19h00
Saturday, 29 August at 15h00
Ticket prices:
All performances: R220, R250, R280, R300
Groups: 5-plus tickets – 10% discount. Ten-plus tickets – 20% discount. Valid only on first two prices.
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.
