THE MAGAZINE
Olga Smirnova: A Ballerina in Protest
Life can change overnight. As one of the Bolshoi Theatre’s leading ballerinas, Russian ballerina Olga Smirnova was a national hero, a glamorous icon of Russian culture. But from one day to the next, she became an outcast and traitor in the eyes of the Russian government – and an international hero and symbol of artistic and human integrity in the eyes of the world.
The Joy of Simple Gestures
Want to strike a harmonic, calm chord in your soul? TWoA talks to choreographer and ballet master Noah Gelber about keeping your balance.
The Blackest Black, or: Anger Makes Creative
Imagine a black that is so black that it absorbs 99.96% of visible light, making three dimensional objects look flat if you stand directly in front of them. Impossible? Well, take a look at Anish Kapoor’s sculptures painted in Vantablack that are currently on display in Venice. The stuff is pretty scary.
Piece of the Month: Jules Massenet, Méditation from Thaïs
For this month, I have chosen a really great, strong and powerful piece! I’m sure you’re wondering what it is, sooooooo. . . . . . (I really need drums right now): Méditation from the opera Thaïs by the amazing composer Jules Massenet.
Three Easy and Affordable Ways to Decorate Your Room
Your room is too plain, it looks boring, you can’t focus, which is important for rehearsing/practicing/painting. Your room feels incomplete. You need your special vibe to make what you do special.
Antonio Vivaldi: Il Prete Rosso ‘The Red Priest’
Venice is not just famous for its canals, architecture and artists. The floating city also played a crucial role in the development of classical music. It was once even called the “Republic of Music.” Its most famous composer was arguably Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741).