in their movements. This session allowed me to view ballroom dance from a new perspective and understand how it can fit into the broader context of plastic arts!”
Milena Matvievich
Many later wrote:
“So beautiful, yet so difficult.”
I’m glad this might become a catalyst for their artistic growth.
June 12, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
Today, we explored symbols.
Learners attempted to deepen their self-awareness by observing others.
I was very pleased, especially with Valya, Asya, Pavel Safronov, and Pavel Yuster.
After the presentations, we discussed the future and symbols that have the potential to change the essence of human existence.
Roxana Ruinskaya amazed me with her artistic interpretation of Asya’s symbol – it was one of the strongest impressions of the day.
Her talent is undeniable.
June 12, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
Today, our guild received heartbreaking news:
A wonderful girl named Tanya Medvedeva lost her battle with a severe illness and passed away.
Let her name remain on the pages of this book.
We did not know her personally, nor did she know us, but through a charitable foundation, we supported her and loved her.
She became a part of our guild.
During a break, I told Pasha Safronov a story about an 11-year-old boy who said that he would rather suffer himself than see his loved ones endure what he experiences every day.
I wanted Pasha to understand that even in the face of great sorrow, it is possible to remain human and hold on to our humanity.
June 14, 2024: Guild Learner / Yulia Vorobyeva:
In Autonics sessions, we prepare weekly assignments.
We observe someone in our group, analyze their essence, identify their symbol, and then present it as an étude.
Yesterday, they portrayed me – it was delicate and precise.
They depicted me through the image of the wind, a thin translucent fabric swaying on a wooden hand.
It was so accurate that I recognized myself in it.
But during the presentation, a terrifying thought struck me:
“That would truly be me – if that fabric had caught fire at the end.”
I pushed the thought aside, but today it returned.
Maybe this symbolizes the destruction of something old and outlived within me?
June 16, 2024: Guild of the M. Chekhov Method
Ivan Viktorovich Dementyev:
Today, we began reading Charles Dickens’ The Cricket on the Hearth.
I chose this piece because Mikhail Alexandrovich Chekhov played one of the lead roles (Caleb) in the stage adaptation.
Our task is to familiarize ourselves with the characters and then assign each of them a Psychological Gesture.
Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to finish the story, so we’ll continue in the next session.
When I realized we were running out of time, I asked the learners if anyone already knew how the story ends – only two people raised their hands.
So, I assigned them homework:
To find the Psychological Gestures of the characters based on their current emotions, without knowing the final outcome.
On Tuesday, we’ll finish the story and see how their gestures evolve.
Participants in the Admission Process for the Guild
Book Club / Roxana Ruinskaya:
Night, moon, dawn, and sun. Riding across the sky in a chariot drawn by black horses is the goddess Nyx. Then follows the goddess of the Moon, dressed in white robes, a crescent adorning her headdress. Her light is sorrowful with love, followed by the goddess of Dawn, and soon after – the god of the Sun.
What a beautiful description! I reread it several times.
The story of Phaethon… When I read that he threw himself upon his mother’s breast, complaining of insults, I knew his fate would be tragic. He was full of vanity, even though he knew the truth. Helios, despite knowing the consequences, could not refuse him either. I believe Helios was disappointed in his son.
June 17, 2024: Creative Residency in Fergana
Elizaveta Yuryevna Matvievich:
I am still working on a production, but now in a different city in Uzbekistan – Fergana.
The work is moving swiftly, and now I am immersed in comedy.
Here, the attitude toward theater is entirely different.
In this case, our main challenge is to avoid taking the easy path and instead strive to introduce something of greater value than mere entertainment into their small world.
June 18, 2024: Guild of the M. Chekhov Method
Ivan Viktorovich Dementyev:
How wonderful it is to meet your person!
The joy of realizing trust exists between you is overwhelming.
It is inspiring and fulfilling when you want to give something to another person, and they genuinely accept it.
When they recognize the value of what you offer.
And when the level of trust allows you to touch on deeply personal topics, making you sacredly guard their secrets.
I believe this is how the foundation is laid for long-term, fruitful collaboration that goes beyond the usual teacher-student or director-actor relationship.
It can grow into true friendship.
Today, I had two such conversations, both of which brought me immense happiness.
One was outside of school, and the other – after class.
I am grateful to have such people in my life.
June 18, 2024: Creative Residency in Fergana
Elizaveta Yuryevna Matvievich:
I am so grateful to be surrounded by like-minded and kindred spirits!
Today’s session was led by Maxim Isakov – someone with whom we talk about the same things but in different ways.
His teaching approach, as noted by the learners, complements mine perfectly.
Maxim conducted a power yoga masterclass, focusing on physical interaction:
“They are so thoughtful! They asked many questions, eager to understand everything. We truly enjoyed the process. If they’ve grasped this, complex interactions will come easily.“Maxim Isakov
June 19, 2024: Guild of Autonics
Roman Evgenievich Akimov:
For the first half