Believe in yourself!

On 30 April, at 3:00 PM, a spring concert "Believe in yourself" by the choreographic group "Fantasy" of the Children's Art School "Rhapsody" will be held on the stage of the Cultural Centre "Mir".

We talked to Sergey DENISOV, choreographer of the group "Fantasia", Head of the choreographic department of the Children's Art School "Rhapsody".

Sergey, spring is the time for reporting concerts. What has your group prepared for the audience?

Every year, "Fantasy" pleases the audience with new programmes and interesting dance projects. This year, it is "Mozartiana": choreographic sketches to the music of W.Mozart, I.Strauss, D.Shostakovich, L.Minkus, based on the idea of creating a new ballet performance, where musical instruments with an orchestra are developed through choreographic images. The basis of the choreography is classical, historical, everyday and stylized dance. Choreographic sketches are bright, festive and involve all the students of the group. The students liked this topic very much and we have started working on a new play "Little Mozart".

The title "Believe in yourself" is very motivating. How has it affected the acts that will be presented?

Yes. The name of the concert programme reflects the intention and idea. "Believe in yourself" is both a statement and a parting word. This year, the ceremonial graduation of the senior class of girls will take place on the stage. Their fulfillment is the affirmation! The task of teachers at the graduation of classes is to maximize their possibilities in choreography. Emotionality, musicality and self-confidence are inherent in all graduates of the group and this is an excellent parting word for junior classes. This year's graduates will present a bright programme based on modern choreography and charge the audience with positive emotions.

Please, tell us how this creative year differs from others?

- It is pleasant and valuable when the students of the group gain a well-deserved reward at festivals and competitions. The results give them confidence in performance and the desire to improve. At the regional Moscow competition "Podmoskovie" students became winners of the 2nd and 3rd degree. The jury especially noted the choreographer's work of the teachers and the performance skills of the students. At the interregional competition of theatrical performances "Hello, this is us!" with the ballet fairy tale "The Little Humpbacked Horse" the group was awarded the title of winner of the 1st degree. The jury highly appreciated the acting skills, scenography, costumes for the performance and the lively participation of each performer. All these achievements are the result of the educational process. And of course, lessons... lessons... lessons! We congratulate all the students of the group on a well-deserved victory!

"It is important to dance music, not to music," ballerina Maya Plisetskaya used to say. Do you share this statement?

- Yes. Of course, yes! I endlessly agree with the great ballerina of the 20th century. Everything is decided by music and we are subordinate to it. And our task is to enable children to hear and express themselves through it. The body is the main instrument of the choreographer, his self-expression. Emotions are acting skills. And music is a unity for embodiment.

What is the most important thing in choreography, in dance, in your opinion?

- Recently, we have seen that dance penetrates into all spheres of art. No wonder that theatrical, musical and ballet performances take place on the same stage. And this cooperation is not accidental. Choreographic and musical performance complements acting and vice versa. Dance changes rapidly and we do not always keep up with new opportunities and solutions. Time will tell what decisions will be fundamental in the choreography. Therefore, it is very important to give our children the opportunity to realize themselves in all its areas.

What are your students like? Character traits, temper, attitude to favourite cause - dancing?

- Everyone knows that choreography disciplines, organizes and instills responsibility for one's work. And when choreography becomes a favourite thing, then a small ballet dancer is born. Choreography lessons instill a good taste in music. After all, most of the lessons are accompanied by classical music. It also helps to study the customs and characters of the peoples of the world through music and especially, of the peoples of Russia. Strive for excellence, love whatever you do! And the children will appreciate your love for dancing. On stage they are the result of our pedagogical work.

Sergey, what would you wish to your entire group on the eve of the concert? Parting words for those who will take the stage on 30 April!

- Dear children of "Fantasia", love whatever you do. Always remember that we are together. You are always on a new level of discovery. Develop and achieve. You always have a great opportunity, every time you go on stage, to convey your emotions to the audience. Appreciate this opportunity and love the dance!

Interviewed by Eleonora YAMALEEVA,
Member of the Union of Theater Workers of the Russian Federation