THE MAGAZINE
Choreographer Spotlight: Justin Peck
Renowned for his energetic footwork and playful musicality, Justin Peck has forged an incredibly prolific career as New York City Ballet’s Resident Choreographer. Peck began his choreographic journey in 2005 as a student at the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s affiliated ballet school, and now twenty years later, he has produced over 50 ballets.
Interview: Chloe Helimets, 15, Prix de Lausanne 2025 Finalist
Chloe Helimets, 15, is one of eighty-six dancers selected to compete at this year’s Prix de Lausanne taking place from 2 to 9 February 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland. TWoA talked to Chloe about growing up in a ballet family, her ballet journey, and about the best way to approach competitions.
Joseph Markey, American Ballet Theatre: On Turning “Crime and Punishment” into a Ballet
Fedor Dostoevsky’s dark psychological novel Crime and Punishment is a masterpiece of world literature. Last autumn, you could find it in the dance bags of many dancers at American Ballet Theatre: choreographer Helen Pickett and co-director James Bonas were turning the book into a ballet for American Ballet Theatre. The company will perform the production at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ins Washington on 12-16 February 2025. TWoA talked to ABT dancer Joseph Markey, who created the part of Luzhin, and who will have his debut as Raskolnikov in Washington.
Sleep, Dreams, Fantasies: Three Very Short Essays on Schumann’s Kinderszenen
While other composers wrote their pieces with quill and ink, Schumann composed using magic. His head was constantly filled with stories and daydreams, and every now and then, one of them would find their way onto a piece of paper – this is how he wrote his Kinderszenen.
Life in La Jolla: Three 20th-Century Modern Architectural Masterpieces
Los Angeles is experiencing a tragic series of wildfires. California houses multiple biospheres as well as the San Andreas fault, leaving the state prone to natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Roughly 200 kilometers south of LA, various 20th-century architectural structures line La Jolla’s rugged coastline. Although they are not located in a fire risk zone, these structures must withstand earthquakes, tidal waves and erosion, and could be affected by tsunamis.
The Wicked Witch of Art History
In the recently released Wicked film, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, belts out, “As someone told me lately: Everyone deserves a chance to fly!” But when it comes to witches in art history, not everyone shared this sentiment.
Disease, Death, and Disaster: Andy Warhol’s Hidden Legacy
The price of stardom? For Warhol, it meant obscuring his experiences with disease and disaster.
“People’s attitudes have changed a lot:” Busking on the London Underground
“People’s attitudes have changed a lot:” How a Lanyard and a Sticker Changed the Perception of Busking on the London Underground.
It’s Movie Night: Dancer Edition
Curling up and watching a movie during the cold winter months is one of the best ways to unwind. For those who wish to continue to learn and indulge in dance while recuperating from stressors like Nutcracker performances or final exams, check out some of these beautiful dance films.
New Year’s Inspiration: Leon Bakst
With winter in full swing, add extra vibrancy to New Year’s eve with some beautiful pieces of art. Let us celebrate the life and art of Leon Bakst, a multifaceted master famous for innovative theatrical designs.
Into the Woods: Feeling the Benefits of Forest Bathing in Art
In our modern urban (and increasingly technological) lives, it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed. Wellbeing gurus suggest getting out, feeling our feet in the dirt, and bathing in the vibrations of nature. But a trip to the woods is not always feasible. So how about we try a form of forest bathing at home? Through art perhaps.
Merry Christmas!
TWoA asked four of the artists portrayed in some of our most popular interviews about their favourite seasonal activities. Curl up with a hot drink and enjoy the spirit of this season with Eunike Tanzil, Sumina Studer, Isabella McGuire Mayes and Seokyoung Hong.
Finnish Folklore and Legends: How Art Helped Shape Finnish Identity
To understand Finnish art and the development of the Finnish style, one must first understand the history of Finland. Traditional Finnish Art found its roots in the need to develop a Finnish identity and detach the country from the control historically exerted by either Sweden or Russia. The illustrated Kalevala is a particularly important work because of its major role in developing Finnish art and Finnish national identity .
Practicing without your instrument? The benefits of mental practice
Practicing away from your instrument might seem like a contradiction. If you think the only practice that counts towards your 5 hours a day are the hours spent beavering away in a stuffy practice room, it’s time to explore the power of mental practice.
Interview: Rae Yue Pung, pianist
Rae Yue Pung is a 21-year-old pianist from Singapore who recently released her debut album “Piano Sonatas” on all digital platforms. TWoA talked to Rae about classical music education in Singapore, her musical journey, and the challenges and rewards of embarking on the transition from highly-gifted child musician to mature artist.
Alis Huws, Former Royal Harpist: “It's the 21st century. We shouldn't be the ones expecting people to come and find us in a concert hall. I think you have to go to them.”
Find out from former Royal Harpist Alis Huws about the special connection between the harp and Wales, about her time as Official Royal Harpist, and about the healing power of music. Right in time for the festive season, be enchanted by Alis’s tales of blind medieval bards and the coronation of a king, of compassion and the gift of music.
The Dazzling Spectacle of Frieze: Through the Eyes of an Intern
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at London’s buzzing and fashionable Frieze Art Fair ? Find out from Georgia Dougherty, currently a student at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London. Georgia attended Frieze Masters as an intern with James Cohan Gallery, a contemporary art gallery based in New York.
Marina Abramović and the Art of Being Present
What does it mean for an artist to become the artwork itself? In her 2010 performance entitled The Artist is Present, Marina Abramović spent three months sitting on a simple wooden chair in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, inviting audience members to sit across from her. Participants were required to follow three simple rules: remain silent, maintain eye contact, and avoid physical contact.
How Do We Teach About Female Composers?
There is no question that women can be incredible musicians – brilliant composers, performers, conductors, theorists, and writers. In the last forty or so years, there has been an enormous surge of interest in shedding light on the lost music of female composers. But as we begin to fill in these gaps, what exactly is the best way to go about it?
Interview: Paloma Livellara Vidart, 19, Prix de Lausanne 2024 Prize Winner
There are some performances that stick with you. Paloma Livellara Vidart’s interpretation of Christopher Wheeldon’s “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” at the Prix de Lausanne 2024 is one of those. TWoA talked to the Prix de Lausanne 2024 prize winner about her dance journey from Buenos Aires to Monaco and about her first couple of weeks at New York’s ABT Studio Company. Get ready for some deeply personal insights.