From seemingly simple warm-up exercises, future dancers had to reduce their strength to "unlock" their bodies, turning hard bones into soft ones, to perform skillful ballet moves under the enthusiastic guidance of teacher Dao Phuong Duy. A dancer once shared that even during the cold winter days, after only two hours of practice, the shirt is wet, can melt into water and the body is tired.
Small legs forced open more than 180 degrees, backs curved like a bow, cries choked in pain... all became a familiar part of life here. They learn to endure, learn to turn pain into strength, exchange youth, fun, parties to maintain their figure, and maintain each perfect line of the body.
Although they start from a young age (12 years old), they still force themselves into the framework of strict discipline, where there is no place for weakness or laziness. They had to spend many years of hard work, sharpening themselves like rough pearls, to be able to shine on stage.
When the painful legs are still proudly throbbing on the stiff nose shoe, when the thin arms paint the curves in the air, we see the strong will and determination of those who have chosen ballet as their guide. Because no dream has to be exchanged for sweat and tears to become a reality.
