Ballerina shares her experiences of studying choreography in Russia
PARKHURST – Visagie first developed an interest in dance through the Parkhurst-based Russian School of Ballet under the teaching of Yana Auger, who introduced her to the opportunity in Russia.
Local ballerina Dané Visagie has reflected on a positive second year of studies in Russia.
Visagie travelled to Russia two years ago to begin her degree in choreography at Kosygin Moscow University.
She first developed an interest in dance through the Parkhurst-based Russian School of Ballet under the teaching of Yana Auger, who introduced her to the opportunity in Russia.
Speaking to the Gazette after successfully completing her second year of study, Visagie said she believed that this was what she was created to do.
She added that she most enjoyed practical subjects such as ballet, national folk dances, Russian dance, repertoire and modern. Other classes including French, acting, and music history and theory also caught her interest.
“Every class confirms that this is exactly what I was created to do,” said Visagie.
She said the experience of learning the Russian language in her first year and immersing herself in Russian culture had not been without its challenges.
She added that being a foreigner in another country had been tough, but she took strength from God and the knowledge that this was her passion.
“If I did not hold on to God through this whole journey, I would not have made it – it would have broken me… He protected, provided, and brought me through.”
She advised others wanting to study in a different country to only commit to leaving if they loved the subject and were set on adapting to make it work.
“It has made me much more patriotic for South Africa and made me appreciate what we have in our country instead of criticising and complaining about everything that we don’t have.”
After completing her studies in Russia, Visagie looks forward to either continuing her studies in Russia or returning to South Africa to share her knowledge and a passion for the Russian ballet method together with character and national folk dance.
Auger said she was proud of Visagie’s progress in learning both the Russian language and advancing in ballet.
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