Latest news with #DonQuixote
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Edenvale ballerina Chiara Szabó wins gold at SA ballet competition
Chiara Szabó (16) from Edenvale began her ballet journey at the age of four and hasn't looked back. A dedicated dancer, she has competed in the South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) in Cape Town for the past three years, earning a silver medal in 2023 and a gold medal in 2024, along with two scholarship awards. She will compete again from July 28 to 31. 'I had it in my head from a very young age that I wanted to be a ballerina. 'My mom told me I had to wait until I turned four to start lessons, and on the morning of my fourth birthday, I marched into their bedroom and demanded ballet classes,' Chiara said. ALSO READ: The pros and cons of ballet classes for little girls She trained for most of her childhood at Molfessis Studio of Dance under Penny Molfessis, who inspired her deep love for ballet. 'I am lucky to have grown up in such a nurturing ballet environment, as ballet can often be overly competitive, even toxic in some situations. 'For the first few years of my ballet training, I did not compete in any large competitions, and I feel that this helped me to realise early on that there is much more to ballet than simply winning medals and prizes.' 'I grew to love the stage at an early age, as I did not associate it with competition, but with performance. 'Dancing to bring the audience joy rather than to win a gold medal. That's a pearl of wisdom Penny taught me that I will carry forever.' Chiara's passion for the stage blossomed early. At ten, she performed in Giselle with Joburg Ballet. 'It was my first taste of life in a ballet company. I even tried to learn the entire ballet in case an extra dancer was needed. I was very ambitious. This was one of the most special moments of my childhood. It was from that point on that I knew I wanted to join a ballet company someday,' she said. After Penny emigrated to London post-pandemic, Chiara moved to Carstens-Ireland Ballet School (CIBS) in Bedfordview, where she now trains under Natasha Ireland, Sandra Carstens, Anya Carstens, and Angela Revie. 'From 2022, I started training seriously, focusing on strength and technique.' ALSO READ: Should your little girl do ballet? In 2023, she won the prestigious Val Whyte Bursary, which opened the door to the Joburg Ballet Academy, the company's pre-professional programme. She performed in Romeo and Juliet at just 14, en pointe alongside company members. 'It was intimidating but unforgettable. That opportunity solidified my dream to dance professionally.' She has since performed in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Mario Gaglione, where she was cast in the solo role of the 'Oompa Prima'. Currently, Chiara trains six days a week for at least four hours a day, and more during competition season, covering ballet technique, contemporary, and Spanish dance. 'Balancing school with ballet is tough, but my academics are also a priority,' said the Assumption Convent School learner, who praised her school for being incredibly supportive. Discipline and resilience are key. 'I'm very self-motivated, which can be a double-edged sword. I've had to learn it's okay not to be perfect. Some days are better than others, and it's important to listen to your body and rest when needed.' She added, 'I'm grateful for my ballet friends and supportive family. They help me through tough days. My biggest challenge is my mindset; I tend to overthink and get stuck in negative thoughts. I'm learning to stay optimistic yet realistic.' Chiara credits the Bedfordview community and CIBS for being instrumental in her journey. 'The encouragement from my teachers, classmates, and school has made it possible for me to chase both academic and ballet goals.' ALSO READ: Watch this new contemporary dance combo of Hip-Hop and Ballet Her aspirations include joining a professional company overseas, ideally the Royal Ballet. 'I recently achieved a High Distinction in my RAD Advanced 2 exam, qualifying me for the Fonteyn Competition next year. 'I also received a sponsorship to visit the Royal Ballet in London through the Dance Narrative Grande Nationale competition.' Outside of ballet, Chiara has a strong interest in mathematics and computer science and hopes to study at university while dancing professionally. To young dancers with dreams of going pro, she said, 'Always remember why you dance – to share joy with your audience. Don't get caught up in competition. Ballet is an art form, not a sport. Technique matters, but it's your love for the art that will carry you through.'
Irish Examiner
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Art: Stellar line-up at Morgan O'Driscoll's online auction
John Shinnors, Patrick Scott, Sir William Orpen, Harry Kernoff and Dan O'Neill are amongst the stellar lineup of Irish artists featured at Morgan O'Driscoll's Irish art online auction, which runs until Monday week (July 28). Dan O'Neill's Don Quixote (Self-Portrait),€6,000-€9,000, was in the collection of the late Gerald Goldberg, former Lord Mayor of Cork. It featured in the sale of contents from his Rochestown Road residence by Mealy's back in 2004. Sir William Orpen's Market Place at Cany, once in the Orpen Family collection, was shown at the Orpen Centenary Exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland in 1978. The mixed-media work is estimated at €3,000-€4,000. James Brohan's 'Harvest Time' at Morgan O'Driscoll's online sale. An oil-on-board by Harry Kernoff, Clare Island from Foynes, Co Limerick, on the River Shannon, dates to 1929 and is estimated at €3,000-€5,000. An oil-on-linen by John Shinnors, Falling, dates to 2000-01 and has an estimate of €8,000-€12,000. The catalogue is online and the sale will be on view in Skibbereen on Thursday and Friday (July 24-25) and on Monday week.
Korea Herald
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
The Royal Ballet brings its 'best' to Seoul with snapshot of classics, heritage, world premiere
The Royal Ballet of Britain is making its long-awaited return to Korea this weekend at the LG Arts Center with the world-renowned company's first official gala in Seoul since 2005. 'We're delighted to share the Royal Ballet of today with you,' said Kevin O'Hare, artistic director of the company since 2012, during a press conference Wednesday. 'The program is full of excerpts from some of our greatest works that are all linked to our repertoire. It's a snapshot of the Royal Ballet today.' Titled 'The First Gala in Seoul,' the program offers a sweeping glimpse of the company's storied yet ever-evolving repertoire. The gala features excerpts from canonical works like 'Giselle' and 'Don Quixote,' as well as Kenneth MacMillan's emotionally charged 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Manon.' More contemporary pieces are Christopher Wheeldon's 'After the Rain' pas de deux and a world premiere by Royal Ballet's dancer-choreographer Joshua Junker titled 'Spells.' As the company looks ahead to its centenary in 2031, O'Hare reflected on the legacy of its founder, Dame Ninette de Valois, citing her words as a guiding mantra: 'She always said, 'Respect the past, look to the future, but concentrate on the present.'' Principal dancer Vadim Muntagirov pointed to the company's ever-challenging and diverse repertoire as its greatest strength. 'It never lets you settle and constantly challenges you,' he said. O'Hare echoed the sentiment. 'I think each choreographic style enhances the other. So even if you're doing something very, very contemporary, that can actually enhance what you bring when you go back to the classics.' One highly anticipated piece, Wayne McGregor's "Chroma," was pulled from the program due to a last-minute injury. O'Hare expressed regret over the change, explaining that the dancer was injured at the end of last week and could not be replaced in time, adding, 'It gives us a very good excuse to return with a Wayne McGregor work in the near future.' The Seoul gala also brings together some of the Royal Ballet's biggest stars, including Benois de la Danse winner Natalia Osipova, Fumi Kaneko and several Korean dancers: first soloists Choe Yu-hui and Jun Joon-hyuk, first artist Kim Bo-min and artist (corps de ballet) Park Han-na. Choe and Jun said they are very proud and grateful to be part of the 'best' ensemble. For Choe, the performance is especially meaningful, as she returned to the stage just nine months after giving birth to her second child. 'It's a group of extraordinary dancers you can't find anywhere else,' Jun said. 'Every day, in rehearsals, in class and on stage, we work to influence one another in the best way possible — not just in how we approach our work, but in our attitude toward ballet itself. Being part of a company that creates that kind of positive cycle is something I take great pride in.'
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
I found cave homes with a Star Wars vibe on my travels
I could spend my life gazing at the wonders in this treasure house: the wild works of Hieronymous Bosch, Bruegel the Elder, Goya and El Greco. But Andalusia was calling. We were adventuring with Rabbie's Tours - the gem of Scotland's travel industry. Rabbie's sets you up with a personal driver and guide. Read More: It's a unique experience, providing all the coolness and off-the-beaten-track surprise of independent travel, whilst making sure that you don't do any of the hard work. Our guide Violetta was like a charming Google, a personal storyteller dispensing info about local history or where to get the best lunch. Our driver Paolo made sure we were always where we needed to be without even having to think about it. By the end of a Rabbie's tour, your driver and guide feel like old friends and you'll be sad to say goodbye. This Andalusian adventure focused on food, culture and history, taking us from Roman ruins to Moorish monuments via the windmills of Don Quixote and bars and restaurants serving some of the best produce and wine you'll find in Spain. We began by travelling to the magnificent medieval city of Toledo. Set on a stunning hilltop, Toledo commands majestic views of the Tajo River. In the distance, the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada sparkle. One of the great joys of this holiday was staying in Cordoba, full of winding back streets amid whitewashed houses with pretty painted doors. It's home to La Mezquita, a grand and stately mosque, built when Spain was ruled by the Moors. In Andalusia the past constantly crashes up against the present, as Moorish and Christian influences weave together in architecture, music and cuisine. Andalusia (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) From Cordoba you can venture to the mountain fortress of La Mota, like a set from the movie El Cid. It was commanded by Christian forces during the long series of religious wars with Muslim Arabs, known as the Reconquista or the Reconquest. On your travels through Andalusia, make sure to visit the windmills of La Mancha, where Cervantes wrote of Don Quixote battling against modernity. The windmills sit on vertiginous hills overlooking the sprawling Spanish plain, stretching to horizon's end. Granada was the pearl of this tour. We stayed in a stunning hotel, right beside the famed Alhambra Palace. It was like living in a scene lifted from the pages of the Arabian Nights. Read More: It's a place of romance. At night, my wife and I sat on our balcony carved into the mountainside, surrounded by pines as the moon shone through the leaves. Make sure to take a whole day for the Alhambra. You won't be disappointed. It's a Xanadu. In Granada check out Telefonica, near the city's main square, for hip new twists on classic Andalusian food. From Granada we explored the strange little town of Guadix, comprised of caves, dug into the hills, and still inhabited. I spent a curious morning in the home of one elderly resident who saw me marvelling at his cave and invited me inside. The cave homes - which date back to Roman times but have a very Star Wars vibe - maintain a constant cool temperature in summer or winter. Next we ventured to the mountaintop town of Ronda, a place beloved by the likes of Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway. You can see its appeal to Hemingway. At the heart of the town, sits an iconic bullring. I had some of the best food of my holiday here and will be back. I could spend a week in this gorgeous, romantic and historic little town. On our way to Seville, we took a detour to Almazara olive oil farm built by the designer Philippe Starck. The factory is shaped like a Picasso bull. It's an extraordinary place where olive oil is treated with the same reverence as the finest bottle of champagne. I brought a few litres back and it's damn good. Our hotel in Seville overlooked the city's Parliament in the funky Macarena district. This city throbs with life, and the highlight for me was a visit to an authentic back-street flamenco bar. It wasn't some phoney tourist spot, but where folk from Seville go for a night time fix of sexy, sweaty, visceral music and dance. After two nights in Madrid and six spent travelling Andalusia, our adventure was to end in Portugal. We crossed the border and travelled to Tavira on the Algarve. With ceramics so integral to Portuguese culture, you can pick up some gorgeous bargains here. Then it was on to Lisbon, our final destination. I love this gutsy and very real city. It's earthy and honest and as friendly as Glasgow at its best. In Lisbon, please do not leave without trying the food at a little restaurant called Sto. This place has turned food into story-telling. Your Portuguese tasting menu is like an historic and cultural tour of the country. The sardines were stunning. The Vinho Verde the best I've ever drank, and the service impeccable. Like many folk, I've been to Spain a lot, though always as an independent traveller and usually to the big cities like Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid. Andalusia (Image: PA) I thought I knew Spain. I didn't. This tour took me into the real heart of Spain. I met real people in real towns where tourists seldom tread and fell in love with places I'd never heard of but will return to often. My only concern is that I'm becoming somewhat addicted to Rabbie's tours. I want adventure and experience, and I don't want to be near those crowds of tourists all doing the same thing with an iPhone stuck to their face. But here's a confession: I'm now of an age where organising and executing that kind of holiday simply takes too much time. So I just let my mates at Rabbie's do all that for me, while I sit back in the lap of luxury and do what's good for the soul: make wonderful new memories that will last me a lifetime. Neil travelled with Rabbie's Tours. For more information and details of prices go to
Buzz Feed
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Readers Reveal Most Overrated Classic Books
When I turned twenty, I set a personal reading goal to read 100 classics by the time I turned thirty. I admit, I still have twelve books to go within nine I like to think that I am relatively well-versed in classic literature. So when Reddit user villagewitch3000 asked, "What's the worst 'classic' you've ever read?" I immediately had to see if everyone agreed with me about The Scarlet Letter being one of the most tedious slogs known to classic literature. (The consensus is IS!) Even though I wholeheartedly disagree with some of these reviews, I thought they were too interesting not to share. So without further ado... "Wuthering Heights. Jesus. Heathcliff, mate, just leave her alone. " "Pride and Prejudice. Long-winded drivel, neither funny nor romantic, and without even the redeeming quality of a worthwhile message." "The Scarlet Letter. I hate how Hawthorne spoon-feeds his readers symbolism. We get it. The scarlet letter is a symbol for shame." "Gone with the Wind. Scarlett O'Hara acts ridiculous and insufferable throughout the entire novel. She doesn't care who she has to hurt, just as long as she gets her way." "To Kill a Mockingbird. I thought it was so boring and I was really disappointed. I picked it up expecting that the racism aspect of the story would have a bigger role, but instead I had to read through pages and pages of this little girl's boring life." "The Great Gatsby. I can't stand Fitzgerald's writing style." "Rebecca. It's like, bitch, I do not care about your problems. The only person in this entire mansion that I can relate to is the maid that I'm supposed to hate." "This will probably get some Catcher in the Rye. I honestly could not connect with Holden Caulfield and found him to be somewhat of a whiny, self-indulgent ne'er-do-well." "Crime and Punishment. I just wanted to punch the main character in the face over and over again. And it honestly had zero to do with the fact that he was a murderer. I just hated his personality." "Lolita, hands down. Gross, perverted, and I dreaded picking it back up every time I did. " "Frankenstein. I think my problem was that I was expecting the book to be really different from what it was." "The Alchemist. Ugh. What utter tripe. If this book changed your life, then you must have had a truly horrific life up to that point." "Les Misérables. Not only is it very long, it has seemingly interminable stretches of boredom." "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It might've been funny or clever when I was 14 and loved Monty Python and thought absurdist British humour was the height of it was awful as an adult." "Anything Tolkien. Reading the man's writing is like trying to ingest a pack of broken light bulbs." "Heart of Darkness is so incredibly boring. I had to read it for three separate classes, and I really tried to like it each time, but I can't stand that book. " "Don Don Quixote." "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Talking about the mechanics of the boat is not fun." "Ulysses. That was work." "Atlas Shrugged. 🙄😴😴😴😴😴" "Moby Dick is one of the most inconsistent books I've ever read. It starts out as a first-person narrative by Ishmael, occasionally interrupted by lengthy speeches and occasional chapters on the anatomy of the sperm whale, and by the end, it shifts to the third person. Then there is maybe a paragraph tacked onto the very end when Melville realizes this was Ishmael's story, so he kinda reverts back to the first person to explain how he could have survived to tell the tale." "The Picture of Dorian Gray. Udder nonsense dressed in off-putting, overly flowery dribble." "Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck just REALLY likes describing scenery, and sometimes I'm just not down to read through ten pages about hills. " "The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. The great depression... pretty much sums how I felt reading it." "One Hundred Years of Solitude. I recall reading it, and I ended up saying, 'That was it? What was all the fuss about?'" "Pretty much anything by Charles Dickens. He came from a time when authors were paid by installment, and it shows." "Brave New World. Didn't find it compelling at all. 1984 on the other hand scared the shit out of me." "The Turn of the Screw. It is supposed to be ambiguous, but I really only see the governess as a loon. " "The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer seems to think the only things that are funny are farts." "I read Slaughterhouse-Five and I don't remember a damn thing about it. " "I hated The Giver. The ending was just deus ex machina wish fulfillment. " "Walden was my 'I can't stand this' book. It almost destroyed my love of reading." "I get why Uncle Tom's Cabin is important, but hoooo boy, that book is a hot mess. Most of the classics I've slogged through are at least objectively well written, but not this one. " "Vanity Fair. I've read it about four times, and I still can't keep up with who is who and what the main character's motive is." "The Yellow Wallpaper. Yeah, I get it. Patriarchy bad. " "The Count of Monte Cristo. It builds up to this lacklustre ending that could've happened chapters ago. I felt I would have been better off watching a Hollywood adaptation loosely based on the original novel." "The Bell Jar. Took it from my university read it." "Toni Morrison's Beloved. Starts off boring, progresses slowly, and tries to be meaningful in places, but it just felt contrived. Then out of nowhere, a supernatural ending that would be more at home in a Sci-fi original movie." Since The Great Gatsby is my favourite book of all time, I am personally offended by those who tell me that Fitzgerald is nothing special. I want to scream, "You try writing such colourful and poetic prose!" So please don't let me down in the comments. Instead, in the comments, tell me the classic literature titles that you could barely get through, and which of the above titles are WRONG to be listed as a "bad classic." And make sure you follow BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more!
