King will show beautiful slides as he talks about his life in the ballet and performing arts world, both in South Africa and abroad, and shares anecdotes about some of the remarkable people he got to know through it. He’ll share delightful stories about Princess Diana, whom he persuaded to become the Royal Patron of The London City Ballet (LCB), of which he was Founding Artistic Director, and will talk about the work he did with Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev and a host of other famous ballet icons. He will describe how, in his travels abroad with LCB, he met many Royals and found himself in astonishing and marvellous situations. King knew the Queen Mother's butler, William Tallon, and the Queen's Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace will also come into his talk, as do his descriptions of Dame Shirley Bassey, Elaine Paige, Joanna Lumley and Sir Paul McCartney. King also attended Princess Diana’s funeral.
He is about to have a book ghost-written and is holding his first London City Ballet Reunion Party in London this May when he completes another lecture aboard the cruise liner, the Queen Mary 2.
Resulting from his friendship with Phyllis Spira and Philip Boyd, Harold King has given special support to DFA, choreographing for the students and helping with fundraising. In 2004, as Chief Trustee of The David Blair Memorial Trust, he awarded a scholarship to DFA student Mbulelo Ndabeni to study at The London Studio Centre. Mbulelo has gone on to join the Rambert Dance Company, a great feather in DFA's cap.
After King’s talk, talented DFA students will present a cameo performance.
The Friends of DFA is a group of individuals who make monthly or annual donations that go into a vital fund that can be used to meet those costs not covered by grants and donations. They also act as important bridging funds while awaiting the release of approved grants. Through their contributions, the Friends of DFA are partners in ensuring that the organisation’s impressive 21-year track record of sustainability continues into the future. Every bit of financial support goes towards helping DFA grow and thrive so that it can benefit a wider group of children and maintain its excellent standard of training.
Friends of DFA receive complimentary entrance to selected DFA events as a gesture of thanks to those who are the cornerstone of its support. They also enjoy free participation in one of DFA’s inspirational tours, which take visitors to watch classes held at its home base in Athlone and at other teaching venues in the surrounding township areas of Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa and Khayelitsha.
This talk marks the first of four Friends of Dance for All events this year. Entry is free for members and R50 for non-members who will be given an opportunity to sign up for the Friends of Dance for All on Saturday 17th March, at the event. For further info please call 0216975509 or visit www.danceforall.co.za