Joburg Ballet announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Elroy Fillis-Bell, will step down from his role, with his tenure concluding on 31 August 2026. Mr Fillis-Bell was appointed CEO in September 2023 and has led the company through an important chapter in its history, including its 25th-anniversary year. His departure brings his three-year tenure to a close and marks the start of a leadership transition as Joburg Ballet moves into its next chapter.

During this period, Joburg Ballet presented its classical repertoire alongside a growing body of South African classical and neo-classical works that created opportunities for local artists and brought South African stories to national and international audiences, most recently The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet. The period also saw the appointment of Dane Hurst as Artistic Director and continued development of young dancers through the Joburg Ballet School and its pre-professional Aspirant Programme.

“On behalf of the Board, I thank Elroy for his dedication to Joburg Ballet over the past three years, and we wish him well in his next chapter,” said Melanie de Nysschen, Chair of the Board. “Joburg Ballet remains in a strong position – with a talented company of dancers, a committed team, an engaged Board and a clear artistic vision. Our focus now is on ensuring the continued delivery of our programme to audiences and communities across South Africa.”

The Board will undertake a considered process to appoint Mr Fillis-Bell’s successor in due course. In the interim, the Board – working with the company’s artistic leadership – will ensure continuity of operations and the ongoing delivery of Joburg Ballet’s 2026 season.

“It has been a privilege to serve Joburg Ballet and to contribute to an organisation with such significant artistic and social impact,” said Elroy Fillis-Bell. “After three years, this feels the right time to hand over the baton and allow new leadership to take Joburg Ballet into its next chapter. I am grateful to the artists, staff, Board, funders and partners who supported the company during my tenure and I wish Joburg Ballet every continued success.” 

For more information about Joburg Ballet, visit www.joburgballet.com

Keep up to date with Joburg Ballet online: Facebook: @JoburgBalletCompany | Instagram: @joburg_ballet | X: @joburgballet | LinkedIn: @joburgballet

Di Sparks
disparks@artslink.co.za
073 208 8483
Joburg Ballet
http://www.joburgballet.com