Fantastic ‘Classic Fantasy’

The Classic Fantasy concert presented earlier in October at Fancourt by the cream of George musicians and dancers was a fitting 20th anniversary occasion for organiser and artistic director Dr Ronell van Aswegen.

Bearing in mind the number of participants and the likelihood of some stage nerves, the smoothness of the production deserves a special mention. The high benchmarks set by the combination of music, dance and singing showed that the performers hold the arts in high esteem and conform to the discipline vital for a smooth and enjoyable cultural event.

Classic Fantasy had enough of the classics for the purist to listen to with plenty of dancing action to keep the interest anchored and the programme moving.

Favourite staples like All I want is a room somewhere and Summertime performed by pint-sized JodiAnne Michael had many feet tapping - also thanks to the vibrant accompaniment by her teacher Alet Koch-Lochner.

In between the energetic dance sequences the Bella Musica Trio, true to their name, provided beautiful music to catch one's breath. Two of George's dance academies were involved: Elvinia's Dance Academy and the Christelle Smit Dance Studio. Acclaimed local ballerina Leanne Heystek lent extra glamour to the evening, making the difficult look easy with grace.

Special congratulations are in order for those behind the scenes, Natalie Ferreira (stage manager) and Adriaan Louw (production manager). The fact that the audience never knew they were there, is the highest compliment.

Watch out for the next in the series of Classic Concerts at Fancourt: it should be another feast for the senses and deserves our support.

- Anica Krüger

The entertainers received a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the evening.

Classical ballet scenes also thrilled the audience.