From renaissance courts in the 1400's to the stages of the 21st century, ballet has held audiences spellbound and convinced dancers to dedicate years of their lives to rigorous training. There is something special about this art form that sets it apart and keeps us coming back for more. So it is no wonder that this magical art from is catching up in Sri Lanka in recent times. Renowned Russian ballet teacher and choreographer Oxana Karnovich was recently in Sri Lanka to conduct examinations for the students of the Russian School of Ballet and Dancing. Though only around 400 students had taken part in the initial examination, the numbers have grown throughout the years and 2019 saw around 1000 students of all ages igniting the stage with their graceful moves.
“Ballet classes combine physical, aesthetic and intellectual development for children. We can consider ballet as a great basis for the full development of the child’s body. The interest displayed by the students in Sri Lanka towards ballet has grown considerably since my last visit to Colombo in 2012. I can see the growth of interest towards ballet not only in Colombo, but in Galle as well,” Karnovich said.
Karnovich had worked at Novosibirsk opera and ballet and the state theatre of classical ballet under the direction of Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vassilev. She joined The Imperial Russian Ballet and rendered her services to the company till 1999. She had preformed principal roles in ballets like ‘The Right of Spring’ by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Nikolai Androsov and ‘Bolero’ by M Ravel, under the direction of Nicholay Androsov. She had toured North and South America, Africa, England, France, Italy, Japan and many other countries with the troupe. She holds a PhD in Art History and Criticism.
