By Alícia
Reflecting on my experiences this year, the first semester of 2025 has been incredibly exciting and fulfilling.
With my ballet company in Romania, I’ve had the immense joy of debuting in multiple roles in the classical masterpieces Giselle and La Bayadère. Each role became an opportunity to dive deep into character work, understanding not just the steps but the emotions and stories behind them. I also explored the intricacies of neoclassical and contemporary movement through works like The Creatures of Prometheus, which challenged me to grow both technically and artistically. Venturing beyond my usual realm, I stepped into the world of opera with productions such as Aida and Bal la Savoy, discovering new dimensions of theatricality and self-expression.
At the end of every performance, gazing out at the golden dome of the opera house, I made a conscious effort to take a mental photograph—capturing the electricity in the air, the sound of the orchestra, the glisten of the costumes, and an audience fully immersed in the moment—memories I’ll carry with me forever.
In March, as the snowy landscapes of winter faded, I saw Timisoara slowly transform into a vibrant spring canvas, with tulips and cherry blossoms lining the streets, city squares filling with music in every corner, vibrant conversation in cafés, and locals taking in the long-awaited sunlight.
In March, I finally visited Vienna, a city I’d dreamed of for years. It did not disappoint—its timeless elegance and rich musical, cultural and artistic history completely captivated me. I wandered the opulent halls of Schönbrunn Palace, enjoyed the lively café culture, watched in awe as the Lipizzan stallions and riders performed their daily training session at the Spanish Riding School, and immersed myself in the world of composers whose music I’ve danced to countless times. The streets truly seem to brim with art and history—nothing short of magical. I also took a lovely day trip to Bratislava, where I hiked up to the castle for breathtaking views of the Danube and explored the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Another highlight this season was welcoming dancers from Brazil. One was a new acquaintance who quickly became a friend as I helped her adapt to life and classes here; the other, a long-time friend with whom I shared stages across Brazil and Europe. Sharing my world in Romania with people from home brought such warmth and a sense of continuity to this ever-evolving journey.
For Easter break, I traded blooming tulips for the Mediterranean breeze with a much-needed escape to Valencia. There, I wandered the sun-drenched streets filled with the gentle scent of oranges, tasted paella in its birthplace, put my Spanish to use, and visited historic landmarks like the Silk Exchange, the Cathedral, and the iconic Serranos Towers. The blend of culture, coastline, and cuisine made it the perfect spring getaway.
Now, I’m heading into the final stretch of the season—undoubtedly my busiest yet. My calendar is filled with new operas, ballet collaborations featuring Principal Guest Artists from the Bucharest National Opera, a special International Dance Day gala with an Italian ballet company, and two exciting tours across Romania.
And finally, as the curtain gradually begins to fall on this chapter, I find myself filled with anticipation for the next as I prepare for my long-anticipated transition to college life. I’m beyond excited to start my journey at Duke in August—eager to meet fellow gap year students, join Devils en Pointe, connect with the Brazilian community through BRASA, and embrace the countless new experiences waiting to be discovered.
