THE MAGAZINE
Water Percussion
What if water could sing? In Water Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra, Tan Dun pushes percussion beyond drums and skins—revealing how even the most unlikely material can become music.
World Ballet Day 2022 Highlight: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
From ballet to Tai Chi and Qi Gong, World Ballet Day 2022 offered a rare glimpse into how Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan trains body, breath, and mind—revealing why global dance looks far beyond the classical canon.
Goodbye October – Hello November!
From ballerina flats to oversized coats, November fashion is all about comfort, nostalgia, and layering done right. Discover the fall trends worth wearing—and why they fit perfectly into the TWoA world. 🍂
Halloween: New York’s School of American Ballet votes for the Spookiest Ballet
At Halloween, students at the School of American Ballet cast their vote for ballet’s darkest work—and chose La Valse. In this TWoA deep dive, discover how George Balanchine turned Maurice Ravel’s swirling score into a seductive danse macabre, and why dancers like Sara Mearns still find it terrifying to perform.
“What Is Worth More: Art or Life?”
When activists from Just Stop Oil hurled soup at Sunflowers inside London’s National Gallery, they reignited an old and uncomfortable question: what deserves protection in times of crisis? From Vincent van Gogh to Johannes Vermeer, this article traces a history of art under attack—and why shock has long been a tool of political dissent.
Sweet Teeth for Halloween
Halloween baking doesn’t need to be complicated. These playful “sweet teeth” treats are easy to make, slightly spooky, and guaranteed to raise a smile—especially when paired with Louis Armstrong playing in the background. Curious how to make them? TWoA shows you how.
Living in a Dream? The Messy Reality of Living in a “Bauhaus”
Conceived as a radical vision for a better world, Bauhaus architecture promised clarity, equality, and functional beauty. But what happens when utopia meets climate, overcrowding, and daily life? Looking at Tel Aviv’s White City through photographs by Helmut Newton and Günther Förg, this article asks whether modernist dreams were ever meant to be lived in.
Reader’s Response to “The Joy of Simple Gestures”
What advice would you give your younger self? In this thoughtful reader response to “The Joy of Simple Gestures,” a retired professor of literature reflects on the teachers who discouraged her, the mentors who nurtured her love of books, and why young people should pursue art, music, and storytelling—regardless of approval.
Damien Hirst: Burning Art?
Damien Hirst is burning his own artworks—literally. As part of his NFT project The Currency, thousands of physical works are being destroyed, forcing collectors and viewers alike to ask: what gives art its value—material, idea, or market?
Interview: Princess Grace Academy’s Luca Branca (Winner of the 2022 Prix de Lausanne Young Creation Award) and Morgan Johnson
From Monte Carlo to Lausanne: Princess Grace Academy students Luca Branca and Morgan Johnson reflect on creativity, collaboration, and finding joy through dance—following Luca’s win at the Prix de Lausanne Young Creation Award.
Relax with Luca and Morgan
What do elite young dancers do when they’re not rehearsing? Luca Branca and Morgan Johnson of the Princess Grace Academy share how they relax beyond the studio.
October: Piece of the Month
October has a soundtrack of its own. In Autumn from The Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi captures harvest celebrations, dancing peasants, and the rhythms of the season. Discover the story—and the poem—behind the music.
Couture and Ballet: New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala
At New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala, couture and choreography collide. From George Balanchine to emerging voices like Gianna Reisen, TWoA looks beyond the glamour to ask whether fashion elevates ballet—or steals the spotlight.
Women. Life. Freedom
After the death of Mahsa Amini, women across Iran have led unprecedented protests against state violence and patriarchal control. Through powerful graphic art, young Iranian artists are transforming grief into resistance—and reclaiming the language of freedom.
October!
October is finally here—golden leaves, cosy evenings, and art that feels like autumn itself. From Claude Monet’s glowing landscapes to comfort-watching Gilmore Girls, this is a love letter to fall’s quiet magic.
Shervin Hajipour: Anthem of Protest
In the wake of Iran’s protests, a song became a rallying cry. Iranian musician Shervin Hajipour transformed thousands of voices into Baraye—a haunting anthem of resistance, hope, and the cost of speaking out.
Autumn Ballet: Giselle
Often associated with moonlit forests and ghostly brides, Giselle is also an autumn ballet at heart. From harvest dances to heartbreak, TWoA revisits the Romantic classic through the lens of the season that frames its tragedy.
In Memory of Queen Elizabeth II
On 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth performed the role destiny had given her with unwavering dedication, determined to take her final bow only with the final curtain. The Queen loved Scotland - and Scottish music. She even had her own piper, the Queen’s Piper, who played the bagpipes for her every morning.
Rudolf Nureyev: The Power of Curiosity
On 5, 6 and 12 September 2022, London celebrated the iconic dancer Rudolf Nureyev (1938 – 1993) at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Nureyev was the first international ballet superstar. Even people who knew nothing about ballet knew Rudolf Nureyev. Nureyev’s legend started with a scandal. His curiosity almost ruined him.
Royal Academy of Arts: Summer Exhibition 2022
Since 1769, London’s Royal Academy of Arts has held its annual summer exhibition, a showcase of art created right now, by both established and emerging artists. It is the world’s largest open submission exhibition: anyone can submit their work for consideration. This year was also the fourth year of the Royal Academy’s Young Artists’ Summer Show for students aged 4 – 19 across the UK.