Dear Member,

2003 has been a very eventful year and, in spite of the adverse economic conditions, the National Ballet of Zimbabwe has managed to continue to exist and grow!

"Starlight Dancing" was staged in the garden at the Ballet Centre in the first week of October. This annual outdoor event proved to be extremely popular and was artistically and financially successful. Many thanks must go to Dale Harding and Sonny Makolisky, who assisted with locating the stage under the acacia trees and with the stunning décor that really enhanced the setting.

"Stars of Tomorrow" ran for the first two weeks in November. Attendances broke all records and an extra show was staged due to popular demand. Dance is still alive and well. Our sincere appreciation is extended to the teachers, dancers and parents for their continued support. The raffles held at each performance were very popular and the Pointe Shoe Fund has increased.

We have to say "Goodbye" to Ashleigh Wood, who is leaving with her husband to live in Cape Town. Very many thanks to Ash, who has been an active dancing and committee member – she will be sadly missed. The good news is that Faye Jackson will be taking over Ashleigh’s studio in the New Year. We wish both Ashleigh and Faye every success in the future and hope that Ash will pay us regular visits.

Ballet Centre: The Outreach Office is now complete. Very many thanks to the Maryknoll sisters, who financed the building. We now need to furnish the building. If you know of any items of office furniture or a computer, in good working order, for sale, please let us know as soon as possible.

Tumbuka: A performance took place in October at Shamva for Humana People to People, which featured "Tarisiro". This piece was choreographed by Mathias Julius for Tumbuka’s Tenth Anniversary. It was danced at Shamva by Tumbuka and members of the Classical Company. Tumbuka will tour to Denmark leaving Harare on 10 January. On 2 December they will be performing at Alliance Francaise to celebrate World Aids Day. They will also be performing at Dance Umbrella in South Africa in March 2004.

Outreach Programme: Jonathan Kamupando and Leah Matereke returned at the end of September and have gained from their course in Edudance at Moving Into Dance Mophathong funded by SAIH. We hope that their new skills will be transferred to the other teachers and that they will be able to assimilate the various courses they have done this year to good advantage next year. The Outreach Dance Festival was held on Saturday 15 November at the Dutch Reform Church Hall. Sixteen schools participated. There was a wider range of choreography this year. The joy the children have, especially those with special needs, is wonderful to see.

Dance Training Course. The course continued this term with some new content added. The students final assessment will be at the end of November. Their Graduation/End of Year Ceremony will be held on 6 December at the National Ballet Centre. They will perform various dances from their courses this year. An audience would be very welcome. Entrance $2,000 by donation.

May you and yours have a Blessed Christmas and may 2004 be good to us all.

Yours sincerely,

EVE STRANIX For NATIONAL BALLET