Moonwalking on Tippy Toes - Heal the World Dances Through Memory, Liberation and Hope
by Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee
18 May 2026
Mzansi Ballet has delivered a production that is not merely entertainment, but an act of emotional restoration. Heal the World, now showing at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, is a stirring fusion of classical ballet and contemporary dance that captures the enduring spirit of Michael Jackson while reflecting deeper social and historical currents that continue to shape both South Africa and the United States.
When introducing the production, director Dirk Badenhorst explained that 'Heal the World' is not a biography of Michael Jackson, but rather an exploration of the genius, symbolism and emotional resonance behind his music and movement. That distinction is important, because this ballet succeeds precisely by reaching beyond imitation. Instead of recreating the King of Pop, it channels the universal humanity embedded in his artistry.
For many South Africans who grew up during the late 1970s and 1980s, the sounds of Motown and the electrifying energy of the Jackson 5 offered something more profound than popular music. In the midst of apartheid repression and revolutionary struggle, American soul, rhythm and blues became a source of comfort, solidarity and aspiration. Michael Jackson’s extraordinary rise mirrored many of the tensions shaping Black identity and resistance globally. His experience of racial prejudice in America resonated deeply with South Africans confronting institutionalised discrimination under apartheid, forging a cultural bridge between the liberation struggle in South Africa and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
That shared history pulses throughout Heal the World. The choreography by Angela Revie and Jorge Wade transforms familiar hits into emotionally layered storytelling. The dancers move seamlessly between disciplined classical ballet and explosive contemporary sequences, embodying both vulnerability and resilience. There are moments of tenderness, rebellion, unity and celebration, all conveyed through movement rather than narrative exposition.
The production’s emotional impact is heightened by the enduring power of Jackson’s music itself. Songs from 'Off the Wall' — the groundbreaking 1979 album that sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and propelled Jackson into megastardom — provide some of the evening’s most infectious energy. The album marked the moment Jackson transcended child celebrity to become a global cultural phenomenon, redefining popular music with its sophisticated fusion of pop, disco and soul.
Yet it was 'Thriller' that transformed him into something almost mythical. Selling an estimated 70 million copies worldwide, it became the highest-selling album in history, shattering racial barriers on mainstream television and opening new doors for Black artists internationally. In many ways, 'Heal the World' honours that legacy, not only the spectacle and innovation, but the ability of Jackson’s music to connect people across race, geography and generation.
The production’s reinterpretation of classics such as 'Smooth Criminal', 'Black or White', 'Thriller' and 'Heal the World' demonstrates how timeless these songs remain. Rather than relying on nostalgia alone, the ballet gives them renewed urgency. In today’s fractured global climate, themes of unity, dignity and healing feel especially relevant. The message is clear: art still possesses the power to comfort, inspire and reconcile.
The dancers of Mzansi Ballet deserve immense praise. Their technical precision is matched by remarkable emotional intelligence, allowing the audience to feel every swell of triumph and sorrow. At times the performers appear almost weightless, moonwalking on tiptoes as if balancing delicately between memory and hope.
Ultimately, 'Heal the World' is more than a tribute to Michael Jackson. It is a celebration of cultural interconnectedness between South Africa and the United States, a reminder of shared struggles for justice and equality, and a testament to the enduring ability of music and dance to heal wounded societies.
In an era searching desperately for compassion and common ground, Mzansi Ballet has created a production that speaks not only to the eyes and ears, but to the soul.
Performance Information
Heal the World runs from 13 May to 7 June 2026 at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Showtimes:
Wednesdays and Fridays at 19:30
Thursdays and Sundays at 15:00
Saturdays at 15:00, with additional 19:30 performances on selected Saturdays including 16 and 23 May.
Ticket prices:
Tickets range from R200 to R350, with concessions available for students and senior citizens on selected seats and performances.
Tickets can be booked through Webtickets or via the official Montecasino Theatre page.