After 20 years of magic on stage, Shannon Glover gave her final performance in Joburg Ballet’s La Traviata – The Ballet. If you’ve ever seen her perform, you know what a treat it was—each character she brought to life felt like pure magic. Watching her dance was like watching a dream unfold on stage. I couldn’t resist catching up with Shannon to reminisce about her incredible journey.
Join me as we revisit some of her most unforgettable performances and hear Shannon’s reflections on her remarkable career. Here’s the story of a ballerina who danced her way into our hearts.
The journey…
Shannon Glover, originally from Durban, began her dance journey in Johannesburg at the tender age of four. She attended the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg and quickly distinguished herself by winning the prestigious SA Adeline Genée Silver Trophy Competition, which led to her representing South Africa at the international Genée Competition in the UK.
In 2004, Shannon joined the South African Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Programme, where her exceptional talent and versatility quickly elevated her to leading roles. By 2011, following her debut as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, she earned the title of Principal Dancer. Her repertoire includes starring roles in The Sleeping Beauty, La Traviata, Cinderella (Veronica Paeper and Iain MacDonald versions), Coppélia, Carmen, Le Corsaire, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, The Nutcracker Re-Imagined, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Romeo and Juliet.
Beyond her performances, Shannon has also made significant contributions as a choreographer. In 2013, she showcased her talents at the International Ballet Gala in Honour of Alicia Alonso in Johannesburg. Later, she captivated audiences with title roles in Iain MacDonald’s Snow White (2017) and Veronica Paeper’s Carmen (2018). Her international acclaim includes representing South Africa at the BRICS summit in China, where she performed the Romeo and Juliet pas de deux.
In 2019, Shannon portrayed the Queen in Snow White at Montecasino and participated in a choreographic residency at the Centre for Ballet and the Arts at New York University. Upon returning to South Africa, she was commissioned to choreograph I Think, Therefore I Am for Joburg Ballet, which premiered during the company’s Unbound season at Joburg Theatre.
The memories and highlights…
After 20 years with the Joburg Ballet, how are you feeling now after your final farewell performance?
I feel a mix of emotions. There is a deep sense of fulfilment and pride in what I have accomplished, but also a sense of sadness as I leave behind a significant part of my life. It’s bittersweet, but I am also excited about what the future holds.
Can you share with us how you first got into ballet and what initially drew you to this art form?
I got into ballet and other dance forms at a very young age and was captured by the joy and freedom I felt. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey that led me to a fruitful career.
Reflecting on your career, which performances or roles stand out as the most memorable for you?
I don’t have one favourite, as they all have been so different. I’ve always enjoyed working on challenging roles and especially love some of the more dramatic ballets where artistry is deeply involved.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced throughout your career, and how did you overcome them?
Injuries were definitely one of the biggest challenges. They can be physically and emotionally draining. I overcame them through perseverance, proper rehabilitation, and maintaining a positive mindset. Support from my colleagues and mentors also played a crucial role.
How do you feel your style and approach to ballet have evolved over the years?
My style and approach have become more refined and mature. I have learned to take things as they come and that you can’t have control over everything. I mainly learned this lesson when becoming a mother. Some days are going to be harder than others, and that’s okay. I learned to take a breath and give myself a chance to regroup when feeling overwhelmed, especially through the tough days. The key is to keep working hard towards your goals and stay disciplined.
Have there been any mentors or colleagues who have significantly influenced your career, and in what ways?
Yes, my mentors, teachers, and colleagues over the years have significantly influenced my career. Without their guidance and support, I wouldn’t be celebrating this career today. They instilled in me the foundation, discipline, and passion needed to succeed in ballet.
What are your plans and aspirations for the next chapter of your life?
Ballet will always be a part of me, and I hope to stay involved in some way. I will also be spending more time with my family and learning to balance new career options with family time. I’m not one to sit still, so I will definitely have projects and new adventures in my next chapter. However, my main focus will be on spending quality time with my beautiful family and ensuring I don’t miss any more precious moments with them.
What key piece of advice would you give to young dancers just starting their journey in ballet?
Stay passionate and dedicated. Ballet requires a lot of hard work and discipline, but it’s important to remember why you started and to enjoy the journey. Take care of your body, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance and support from mentors.
What message would you like to share with your fans and the ballet community?
Thank you for your unwavering support and love throughout my career. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. I hope to continue inspiring you in new ways and am grateful for the beautiful memories we’ve created together.
Where can people keep up with your journey and future endeavours on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram @Shanglover07 and on Facebook.
Congratulations, Shannon, on an outstanding career! We’ve loved every moment of watching you perform on stage and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.
Shannon Glover’s bio courtesy of the Joburg Ballet.
Image credits to Lauge Sorensen.
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