Ellie is really enjoying her ballet classes; she has private lessons twice a week and a group class with other Ukrainian girls once a week. It’s amazing what she endures and learns when compared to what I’ve witnessed in her classes in Richland; like anything here in Slavutich, if you are going to learn something you’re going full speed. They take the “arts” seriously, one of the first questions the ballet instructor asked, was if this training is for “professional” or “recreational” development. If what she is learning is recreational, I would hate to see what “professional” is like. We took some video of one of her classes (usually they are “closed door” sessions). Ellie comes home after every practice excited; she teaches Rylie her new moves and practices throughout all the rooms in the cottage….we’ve got to watch out for flying leaps and twirling arms around every corner!
Speaking of Ballet, Ukraine is rich in culture, we’ve already seen two ballets (The Swan Lake and Melody of Ballets – an earlier post) and we will be seeing The Nutcracker in a few weeks; our hope is to take the girls to an Opera in early spring. The opportunity we have to see all these premier ballet companies performing these classic pieces is incredible….and if you haven’t had the chance to witness a ballet with a full orchestra, take the chance if presented; it really is amazing, the timing and fullness of live music is something to be in awe of.
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