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The art of movement: ballet, dance, and I: The inseparable trio in my life. My mother use to tell me when I was in my first years of classic ballet and performances “Deniz! Do not pick on your diapers”, this was especially brought to my attention on our several performances on the stage. And what did I do? I picked on my diapers.
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Luckily, that did not last for too long. I grew up. No not spiritually of course, but let’s just say, I was at a proficient level enough not to pick on my diapers again and float across the dance floor gracefully. Every two years, we were prepared to execute our annual series of dances to the examination board of the Royal Academy Dance in classical ballet. Our master, Charlotte Van Royen was a true inspiration to all of us dancers. We were not only trained in classical ballet in our ongoing curriculum. She led the way in guiding us in character, jazz, and expressive dance. And of course, I do remember walking on crutches for prolonged time after tearing my hamstring, during and after my elastic training I pursued both in classes and on my own. So, kids, do not go unregulated until a certain age. Do not worry, you get to grow into a self-regulated ballerina throughout the years, given the right care.
In the aftermath, all the bruises and health fallbacks later landed perfectly. I was surprised that after healing my flexibility triumphed and my physical state adapted perfectly. I guess this is what they call muscle memory. Moreover, I will never forget the moment we were issued our very first points regardless of how painful the journey was...
And that is what I exactly did, after my graduation from the RAD in 2006, I moved to Paris. Alongside with my interdisciplinary arts and humanities education, until this day, I am a self-regulating autonomous dancer. The passion has never ceased in my mind, body, and soul (from diapers to maturity.)
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