Czech National Ballet Dancers Training at Home During COVID-19 Disease

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Czech National Ballet Dancers Training at Home During COVID-19 Disease

Photographer: Martin Divíšek

 

The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown, less than two weeks later, to try to slow the spread of the outbreak. The shutdown has affected every aspect of Czech life, including the arts and the country’s most famous National Theater, which is home to the Czech National Ballet.

The nationwide quarantine has forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show.

The ballrooms in the historical center of Prague are empty, and the dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. With the gradual lift of the measures, the Czech National Ballet company switched to a new training system, where the dancers are divided into six groups. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home.

"I have more time for things for which there is not so much time usually - reading books, cycling, cooking and especially family. My mom and sister are the only ones I've been seeing intensively lately. But I miss the theater. I miss the adrenaline, I'm looking forward to going back onstage and feel the butterflies in my stomach," says the Czech National Ballet soloist, Magdalena Matejkova, during an EPA-EFE photographer’s visit at her home.

Ayaka Fujii, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires

Ayaka Fujii, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home.

Alina Nanu, first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, wears a protective face mask as she poses while practicing outside of her flat in Prague, Czech Republic, 03 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home conf

Alina Nanu, first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, wears a protective face mask as she poses while practicing outside of her flat in Prague, Czech Republic, 03 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home.

Roger Cuadrado (L) and Roger Duart (R), dancers of The Czech National Ballet, pose as they practice at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers

Roger Cuadrado (L) and Roger Duart (R), dancers of The Czech National Ballet, pose as they practice at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Federico Ievoli, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requi

Federico Ievoli, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 29 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Magdalena Matejkova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, wears a protective face mask as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 06 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet da

Magdalena Matejkova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, wears a protective face mask as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 06 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Mathias Deneux, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses with his cat at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 03 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires

Mathias Deneux, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses with his cat at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 03 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home.

Giovanni Rotolo (L), first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, and Francesco Scarpato (R), soloist of The Czech National Ballet, pose as they practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 26 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, includ

Giovanni Rotolo (L), first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, and Francesco Scarpato (R), soloist of The Czech National Ballet, pose as they practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 26 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Matej Sust, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, plays with his pet rabbit as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 27 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose p

Matej Sust, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, plays with his pet rabbit as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 27 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home

Kristyna Nemeckova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 06 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rig

Kristyna Nemeckova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 06 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Petr Strnad, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, jumps as he practices on the roof of his home in Prague, Czech Republic, 02 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose prof

Petr Strnad, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, jumps as he practices on the roof of his home in Prague, Czech Republic, 02 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Monika Hejdukova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 30 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession req

Monika Hejdukova, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 30 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Nikola Marova, first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices in the garden of her home in Prague, Czech Republic, 31 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers

Nikola Marova, first soloist of The Czech National Ballet, poses as she practices in the garden of her home in Prague, Czech Republic, 31 March 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Patrik Holecek, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, jumps as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 01 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requir

Patrik Holecek, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, jumps as he practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 01 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home. 

Sophie Benoit, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, stretches in her living room as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 02 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers

Sophie Benoit, soloist of The Czech National Ballet, stretches in her living room as she practices at home in Prague, Czech Republic, 02 April 2020. The coronavirus first appeared in the Czech Republic on 01 March 2020, and the government was one of the earliest in Europe to impose a full lockdown to slow the spread which affected every aspect of life, including the Czech National Ballet.The nationwide quarantine forced all non-essential workers, including artists, into home confinement. For ballet dancers whose profession requires a rigorous exercise routine, these new restrictions pose major challenges to keep fit and ready to put on a show. The dancers have to take care of their condition by themselves, in their apartments, with their families, but they are helped by video-training sessions with their ballet masters. For one hour every day, they train in groups of 12 or 13, and this is broadcast online to other dancers who practice at home.