Hear what HNBC members have
to say about their experience in the 2009 Hungarian National
Ballet Company’s Summer Intensive course:
2009 HNBC-SI Feedback >>
Elizabeth Thiry, USA >>
Tatiana Vdovicheva, Russia >>
Elizabeth Thiry, USA:
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It’s an honor to be a member of the venerated Hungarian
National Ballet Company. My being even a small part of
the HNBC’s 125 year legacy is a dream realized. I am
pleased to have the opportunity to share some of my
impressions as to the values of my being a part of the
HNBC-SI program.
The HNBC Summer International is a top rate platform for
dancers seeking serious training, international exposure,
and elite stage experience in one of the most exquisite
Opera Houses in the world. We all know that there are
many excellent summer opportunities and terrific
teachers worldwide. This ongoing process of finding our
best match with educational and performing institutions
can be exhausting. Dancers are good about due diligence
and also rely heavily upon recommendations. I couldn’t
recommend this program more enthusiastically!
It takes a type of courage to visualize ourselves as
international artists. Today, we would be wise to think
of ourselves as global citizens in every way and that
mindset includes our dancing options and exposure to new
ideas. |
| “The
decision to attend the HNBC summer program was one of my
wisest..” |
This program sponsored by the Hungarian State
Opera House and operated by the Hungarian National
Ballet Company, it turns out, can place a dancer in a
professional milieu like no other.
The decision to take advantage of the HNBC International
course was one of my wisest. Admittedly, I was
apprehensive about being the youngest participant — the
ages ran from my own (15) to nearly twice my age and
experience. Thankfully, each of us was accepted to the
program based upon our positive attitude, individual
merit as well as our potential. Information gleaned
from the intense weeks of preparation pushed me to a new
level of competence and confidence thanks to the
faculty’s patience, motivation and experience. We acted
as a team, were treated with respect and I loved the
professional approach from every angle.
If you can imagine shining for more than two hours on a
magnificent Opera House stage, have that inner urge to
demonstrate to the world who you are and what you can do,
Budapest is the place to be next summer!
|
Tatiana Vdovicheva, Russia:
As a ballet dancer, I have
considerable experience in working for theatres in
Russia and abroad. While looking through sites of
different ballet companies, the one for the Hungarian
State Opera House caught my eyes and I was captured by
the sheer beauty of the venue.
This magnificent historical building with the richly
decorated foyer mesmerises the spectator immediately. I
found the virtual tour of the opera house available via
the website breathtaking. It awoke in me the wish to use
the opportunity to work in this house and perform in its
wonderful auditorium.
I also felt eager to see the town, Budapest, with its
small middle age chapels and awesome churches, including
the famous Basilica. Although very busy throughout the
Summer Intensive, we did have time to visit the nicest
places on Sundays. It was great to be guided and receive
background information on what we saw.
Although not winning an award, I came away with what I
regard the most outstanding prize possible: an
invitation to work with the company. This was a great
honour and I gladly accepted.
I loved the way the Summer Intensive was organized:
living at 5 minutes’ walking distance from the opera
house and getting acquainted with Hungarian cuisine in
the hotel restaurant was both pleasant and very
comfortable.
I would like to stress that we had the chance to work
with ballet masters of the highest professional level
who provided us with an exciting and very focused
preparation for the final showcase where we could
demonstrate our art and prove ourselves in front of a
number of ballet directors from Hungary and Europe.
The course was quite a physical challenge, but it was
worth the effort. This is the typical case when hard
work and performing at such a fantastic venue in a
historical town leaves you with utmost satisfaction. |
 |
| “I would
like to stress that we had the chance to work with
ballet masters of the highest professional level who
provided us with an exciting and very focused
preparation for the final showcase where we could
demonstrate our art and prove ourselves in front of a
number of ballet directors from Hungary and Europe”. |
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