This Friday, October 31, on the Grand Stage of the Dohodno Zdanie, the audience in Ruse will have the unique opportunity to experience the art of dance traveling through time to reveal the essence of our humanity.
The Ballet Gala Concert “Journey In Time” – staged by Vesela Vasileva and Natalia Osipova, features some of the most recognizable and beloved ballet miniatures, representing the all-embracing art of ballet.
Here is what Natalia Osipova, choreographer of the Ruse Ballet Company, shared about the upcoming performance:
Natalia, You are one of the creators of the Ballet Gala “Journey InTime.” Why did You choose this title?
The title “Journey In Time” was born out of the desire to show the evolution of the art of dance – from classical tradition to modernity. We want to invite the audience to travel through different eras, styles, and emotions, and to remind them that despite the diversity of forms and choreographic languages, ballet always speaks about the same thing – the human soul, its passions, and its beauty. In a sense, it is a dialogue between the past and the present.
As an artist, You have spent many years performing on stage, and now You are, so to speak, on the other side of the barricade. Do You ever miss that live connection with the audience, which is often compared to a kind of addiction?
Of course, the stage will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a magical space where a unique energy is created between the artist and the audience. But now I experience a different kind of joy – the joy of helping dancers discover themselves, allowing them to bring my ideas to life through their own bodies. It’s another way of creating – more introspective, more contemplative.
As an artist who has recently become the choreographer of the Ruse State Opera Ballet, how would You assess the level of the productions created by our opera theatre?
The Ruse State Opera has exceptional potential. The artists are talented, passionate, and open to experimentation. The theatre dares to take on ambitious projects, and the creative atmosphere that prevails there inspires everyone – from the dancers to the directors. It is a place where true art is born.
The Ruse State Opera is a magnet for ballet artists from all over the world – Italy, Spain, Canada, Japan, Brazil… How does this cosmopolitan team achieve harmony on stage and behind the scenes during rehearsals?
I believe the secret lies in respect and love for ballet. We all speak the same language – the language of movement, music, and emotion. Each person brings their own culture, technique, and sensitivity, and this diversity creates tremendous richness. We are constantly learning from one another, which makes the company both vibrant and united.
Today, new ballet works are being created, bringing avant-garde artistic concepts and interpretations. Do You personally prefer classical or innovative choreographic and directorial approaches?
I have deep respect for classical dance – it is the foundation upon which everything stands. But without innovation, art cannot evolve. What I love most is the dialogue between the two, when tradition inspires modernity and modernity breathes new life into tradition. The most important thing is to preserve the soul of dance – its sincerity.
What can we expect from the upcoming gala performance on the last day of October?
A true celebration! It will be an evening that combines beauty, energy, and emotion. We will present excerpts from great ballets from the repertoire, as well as more contemporary creations. We want the audience to feel the joy of movement and the inspiration that the artists carry within themselves when they step onto the stage.
In recent years, we’ve also seen Bulgarian titles on stage that have enjoyed great success – “The Goat's Horn,” for example. Should we expect more from the Bulgarian ballet treasure chest?
Absolutely! The Bulgarian ballet school possesses a strong artistic identity and deeply rooted traditions. It holds many unique themes, music, and choreographic ideas that deserve international recognition. I am convinced that the new creations of Bulgarian choreographers will find their place on the great stages of the world.
Photo: Archive of State Opera Ruse
