Following the successful debut season of “Letters of Reflection” by WGRUV Dance company earlier this year at the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre and the overwhelming demand for a repeat season, the performance takes place at the Art Centre, UJ Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 July at 18h00 and Sunday, 27 July at 15h00. Thereafter “Letters of Reflection” moves to the Homecoming Centre, Cape Town on Friday, 15th August at 19h30 and Sunday, 16th August at 15h00 and 19h30. Tickets are on sale at Quicket.co.za
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.
“Our hearts are full from the overwhelming response to our debut season,” says Holly Gruver, Creative Artistic Director of WGRUV Dance Company. “It’s a joy to know that our work resonated so deeply with audiences. We’re thrilled to bring the show back with a return season, bringing even more magic, movement, and emotion to the stage. We are so looking forward to taking Letters of Reflection to Cape Town.”
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 quicket.co.za and excluding booking fees cost R99 for children under 12 years; R179 per person for group bookings of 10+; R169 for pensioners and general admission is R199 .