Don't Tell Them About the Piano

Once I watched an interview with a classical ballet dancer and choreographer, who shared that, during most of his life he knew he could paint well but he didn't try. One day, he told his wife, "I think I can paint." So, she bought him brushes, a canvass and lots of paint. Next in the interview he showed this amazing self-portrait, the very first piece he did, reminiscent of the works of Chagall.

I think many creative people function in the same way: they know they have a lot to give but they need someone to put a brush in their hands or just push them along. Very rarely one meets an artist who stays motivated to explore different realms. I think one such artist, who ventured into dance, movie-making, coaching advertising and even blogging is Stella Angelova. I found one of her very old routine which shows her truly well-rounded athleticism and talent.



To go back to the story about the choreographer, I also remember they interviewed one of his best friends who commented: "When I saw his self-portrait, I remembered that, as a child he played the piano and he had a lot of potential, so I warned him not to share that secret or else his family will go buy him a piano, too. Stay quiet, just this one time. Don't tell them about the piano."

Talented people often ask a lot, without even asking explicitly. They go into careers that require time, effort, constant support and dedication. Beautiful paintings or great classical lines do not always lead to a lot of zeros in your bank account. But they may lead to some mild to moderate envy. Because, after all, even men of great power aspire to paint, and act, and even play an instrument, even if it doesn't bring them more luxury or more authority. Sometimes real talent is best acknowledged by those who can embrace it without secretly thinking, "Why am I not this good at anything?"

So, if you happen to do many things well and people know it, don't tell them about the piano. ;-)

The Impossible Mission of Always Igniting the Crowd

Happy 35th birthday to a gymnast, who made everything exciting, including the rope:



The perfect combination between Russian technique and Bulgarian choreography.It makes me wonder how someone like Titova or Selezneva would look, if a more daring choreographer created their routines.

Watch her pirouettes! She would have easily won medals in 2014, under the new code, which puts high value on the change of leg position while turning.

If you are looking to engage the audience, look no further than perfect technique and bold choice of music, but, also, of course, a strong personality.

Love Things French....

Here is a routine with a certain "je-ne-sais-quoi" that I have watched with a melting heart:




Actually, I think I know quite clearly which two things move me in this exercise and one is, obviously, the level of technical mastery. Strong work: look the first pirrouette, and look at the risky catches.

Unsurprisingly, what I enjoy even more is the artistic aspect, not fully developped, yet, showing through in a subtle way. In other words, the gymnast is not fully "living" the music, not in every movement, but the parts where she does put more expression are touching and beautiful. I think the opening could use some more "flare," for lack a of a better word.

French music demands a very strong personality, though coupled with an unimposing gracefulness. Many gymnasts, including groups, have excelled at interpreting it, but it takes work, and I also think it takes time for the emotions to weave into the routine smoothly. You can look detached, you can look less dynamic, and you can look, not unelegant, but somehow not harmonious, if you don't really get deeply into it emotionally. Clearly, this gymnast is on her way to "filling" and also "feeling" the music, a marvelous task. Once she does, it should feel both dramatic and bittersweet.

Another routine to watch with French music and a vocal is Sara Staykova's ribbon where, eventually, the goal may become to "flirt" with the audience:



I wonder how Ganna Rizatdinova would flourish in a similar musical choice. She might make a better French lady than she makes a Carmen. A less loud,yet absolutely gripping charm.