Gallery: Local ballerinas immerse themselves in Russian language and culture
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette caught up with Talisa Pillay and Dané Visagie following their first year of study in Russia.
Two ballerinas from the Russian School of Ballet in Parkhurst are experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime studying choreography in Russia.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette caught up with Talisa Pillay and Dané Visagie following their first year of study in Russia. Both dancers spent their initial year studying Russian and learning more about the country’s history and culture. This helps to prepare them for the choreography degree, which will be taught in Russian.
Pillay, who matriculated from Greenside High School, said she enjoyed exploring the language and culture and going on excursions. Visagie said, “It felt like I walked into a whole new world when I arrived in Russia. It was totally different and amazing. I enjoyed discovering the culture and getting to know the people. They are very honest and direct. The cities are full of beautiful scenery too.”
But adapting to a new culture did not come without its challenges. “It is one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but I went in with no expectations and learnt a lot of life lessons,” said Visagie, adding that she could not have made the transition without the support of her family and director of the Russian School of Dance Yana Auger.
“It’s good to remember your goal and what you are working towards and not get focused on distractions,” added Visagie. Pillay said, “I started out getting easily confused by the language. But I liked learning about the country’s history and literature and adjusted quickly.”The dancers will now study together at the Kosygin Moscow University, getting back onto the dance floor after a year of language immersion.”I’m excited to dance again in a big hall and even learn the Russian national dance together with ballet,” said Visagie.
Pillay hopes to teach dancing one day and, since arriving in Russia, she has also awakened her desire to travel and explore the world. Visagie is interested in becoming a choreographer or even studying her honours and specialising following her undergraduate studies. “My heart is in South Africa and I want to return one day,” said Visagie.
The ballerinas said that Covid-19 has created another hurdle for their studies.”It’s already very difficult to learn a new language, but trying to study it over Zoom with quality and sound challenges makes it even more difficult. It will also be a challenge next year if we have to take online classes and dance in our small dorm rooms. It’s hard to get the value of a lesson from a dorm room,” said Visagie.
Auger said she is proud of what her dancers have achieved in their first year. “It was hard for them to adjust, but this year toughened them up. It’s a good thing to go through because that’s how you grow. I’m glad they went through it and came out as winners. I recommended them for study in Russia, vouched for them and believed in them. This has been an amazing opportunity to study what they love and get a quality degree and the opportunity for a better professional future. I hope they will return to South Africa,” said Auger.
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