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Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian ballet dancer Ruan Galdino began to make a home in South Africa in 2015 when he was invited as a guest of Joburg Ballet by the founder and then artistic director, Iain Macdonald. He stayed on with the company as corps de ballet and reached the pinnacle for any soloist with his promotion to principal dancer in June 2024. The announcement was made by company CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell at the Joburg Theatre on the opening night performance of The Sleeping Beauty; a production with which we were utterly enchanted.
This promotion is especially poignant as it is a long-held dream of Galdino's, who has been dancing since he was 10 years old. Hardly a month later, Galdino and his wife Luma welcomed a different yet no less profound cause for celebration: the birth of their first child, a daughter. A creative powerhouse of note, Galdino co-founded the community organisation Blacks In Ballet in 2020; an initiative celebrating and generating opportunities for black ballet dancers around the world. He also heads the Galdino Collective Dance Agency, offering services in dance, choreography, and creative direction for visual productions. In August 2024, Galdino marked a new career chapter with a move to another Joburg-based dance company, WGRUV Dance International.
We spoke to Galdino about ascending the dancing ranks, how the metropolis of Rio compares to the city of Joburg, and how he spends his downtime.
"The biggest difference is the landscape. Rio de Janeiro has the beauty of the beaches and mountains, but the roads of Joburg are way prettier with the number of trees everywhere and, believe it or not, it's geographically much more organised than Rio – the car traffic in Rio is intense."
You were recently promoted to principal dancer at Joburg Ballet. What does this mean to you?
It's so hard to explain what it meant to be promoted to principal for a ballet dancer. It's basically the highest ranking in a ballet career. But for me, even more than that. It's not just a ranking but a dream I've had since I was young. When I was a 13-year-old ballet student this became my favourite dream to think about; to one day be on stage doing the lead roles, the princes, jumping, and turning around. Becoming a principal dancer in an African context meant even more to me because I hope to inspire the next generation of dancers.
What is the experience like working with visiting dancers who join for one production, such as French ballet dancer Guillaume Diop, who recently performed in The Sleeping Beauty? How do you all make it seem as if – after only a few rehearsals – you have danced together forever?
It's always a boost to our work. We got to experience not only the expertise of these amazing guests but also the human side of them. We could relate to them in a way that went beyond professionalism. As dancers, we are motivated and encouraged to keep working harder, but it was inspiring to see that beyond the "perfect looks and techniques", they are hard workers, humble humans, and stars, inside and out.
What brought you to Joburg, and what makes you stay here?
I had a scholarship to study at the American Academy of Ballet's Summer School in New York when I was 18 years old, where Iain Macdonald, the founder and former artistic director of Joburg Ballet, was one of the teachers. He invited me to guest with the company for three months in 2015 and, after my second month working there, he offered me a year contract to join as corps de ballet in 2016, one of the first rankings at a ballet company. I was grateful and honoured, and I accepted the contract because it was my first job, but I didn't think I would stay more than a year. After the first year, I started enjoying the work process, the perspective and projection of the company and, mostly, started enjoying life in Johannesburg. That made all the difference in the decision to start building my life here.
Rio de Janeiro and Joburg – biggest similarity, and biggest difference?
Both cities are metropolitan – a lot is happening at the same time in terms of the movement of people, business, and exchange. The biggest difference is the landscape. Rio de Janeiro has the beauty of the beaches and mountains, but the roads of Joburg are way prettier with the number of trees everywhere and, believe it or not, it's geographically much more organised than Rio – the car traffic in Rio is intense. Half an hour or even an hour on the highway doesn't compare to the two or sometimes three hours it takes to get to work in Rio de Janeiro.
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
Norwood, Houghton, and Orange Grove. I lived in this area for my first six years in Joburg. I love it because of the freedom of walking around the suburbs like you would in a small town, and for the many trees and local businesses around.
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
That I prefer it 10 times more to live in Joburg than in Cape Town! Apart from that joke, I think people are surprised that there is so much to do in Joburg, and that it has such a mix of outdoor activities and culture.
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
44 Stanley, the Apartheid Museum, and Joburg Ballet.
Your favourite Joburg author or favourite Joburg book?
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela.
One song on your Joburg soundtrack that either is about Joburg or makes you think about this city?
Drive by Black Coffee.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
Risotto at Marble restaurant.
If you could buy one Joburg building which would it be?
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.
If you were the Joburg mayor for one day (average tenure) what would you change?
Work hard on the public security.
Favourite Joburg label, and why?
Diane Paris. It's a clothing brand founded by my friend [and Parisian-born model] Diana Tadjuideen that is made for South Africans. It's chic, elegant, comfortable, colourful, and vibrant.
What makes someone a Joburger?
Saying, "Let's have coffee soon" and never having it!
What do you love most about Joburg?
The fact that it's a big city with a family-oriented lifestyle, like you'd find in a town. I can't explain it, but it is.
What do you least like about Joburg?
The sense of insecurity that comes with robberies and crime.
Your number-one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Check @johannesburginyourpocket on Instagram [Editors note: Mutual admiration]
One Joburg personality whom you would honour with the freedom of the city if you could?
Singer, actress, and ventriloquist Isabella Jane.
Photo: Marble.
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes...
Friday night dinner at Marble followed by drinks in Parkhurst. Saturday morning walk at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens then brunch at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, with a City Sightseeing Red Bus tour in the afternoon, ending with dinner at Montecasino. Sunday morning church service at Rosebank Union Church, brunch at 44 Stanley, and an afternoon spent watching Joburg Ballet, followed by sundowners on the rooftop of the Da Vinci Hotel.
Three words that describe this city.
Exchange, movement, and family.
Check out some of our previous #MyJoburg interviews for more insights into the city:
#MyJoburg with Sthandiwe Kgoroge, artist, entrepreneur, and the ‘closeted comedian’
#MyJoburg with Tayla Foong, co-founder of 99 Design store
#MyJoburg with Ricci Kalish Liedeman, fashionista and founder of Big Bad Batch
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