Marcia Haydée: A Life in Dance
The air hangs thick with the scent of jasmine and sweat. I stand backstage, the clamour of the audience just a muffled roar through the thick velvet curtains. I feel the familiar flutter in my stomach, a mix of nerves and anticipation. It's opening night, and tonight, I dance Giselle.
I was born Marcia Haydée in 1937, in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a child, I wasn't interested in dolls or tea parties. I yearned for movement, for stories told through dance. My mother, recognizing this yearning, enrolled me in ballet classes at the tender age of six.
My early training was at the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre School in Moscow. It was a demanding environment, a crucible where I honed my technique and pushed my body to its limits. We practiced for hours on end, perfecting every plié, every arabesque. It was in this austere environment that I began to understand the true essence of ballet.
Leaving Brazil felt like a wrench, but I knew it was necessary. Moscow held the key to my artistic development, and I was determined to grasp it. My years at the Bolshoi were pivotal. The discipline was rigorous, and I thrived on the challenge. The teachers were stern but deeply passionate about their craft, passing on their knowledge with an almost sacred reverence. I learned the classical ballet repertoire inside and out, from Swan Lake to Sleeping Beauty, each performance leaving me both drained and exhilarated.
I returned to Brazil in 1958, a young woman brimming with confidence and honed talent. I was ready to share the magic of ballet with my homeland. I joined the Teatro Municipal Ballet in Rio de Janeiro, a company that would soon be renamed in my honour. It was a time of growth and creative freedom, a period where I could truly express myself through the language of dance.
In 1961, I was invited to join the Stuttgart Ballet, then under the direction of the legendary John Cranko. This was a life-changing opportunity, and I seized it with both hands. Cranko saw in me a unique artistry and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He was a demanding choreographer, his work characterized by its raw emotional intensity. We worked tirelessly together, forging a partnership built on mutual respect and artistic synergy.
The role of Giselle in Cranko's production became my signature role. The tragic story of a peasant girl who loses her love and succumbs to madness resonated deeply within me. The sheer emotional depth of the character gave me the opportunity to explore the darker, more complex aspects of my artistry.
But I was more than just a dancer. Under Cranko's guidance, I became an integral part of the Stuttgart Ballet's creative force. I co-created several productions with him, my insights and vision contributing significantly to their overall artistic success. I was no longer simply a dancer; I had become a collaborator, a co-architect of artistic vision.
The 1960s were a golden age for the Stuttgart Ballet. Cranko's innovative choreography, paired with our company's electrifying performances, brought us international recognition. We toured extensively, captivating audiences from New York to London. The experience was humbling, seeing how my art could transcend language barriers, touching hearts across cultures.
Cranko's tragic death in 1973 was a profound loss, both for the Stuttgart Ballet and for me personally. He was a creative visionary and a mentor who challenged and inspired me in ways few could. But the spirit of innovation and excellence he nurtured within our company lived on.
I became director of the Stuttgart Ballet in 1976, a role I embraced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was a daunting responsibility, carrying forward the legacy Cranko had created. Yet, I was determined to honour his vision, to continue his work of pushing artistic boundaries. I worked tirelessly to maintain the Stuttgart Ballet's reputation as one of the leading dance companies in the world.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with many remarkable choreographers, each bringing their unique vision to our company. But the role of choreographer is one I've always embraced with passion. I believe that dance is not just about technical mastery; it's about the power of storytelling, of expressing human emotions through movement.
In my choreographic works, I strive to create a visual language that speaks to the audience on an emotional level. I draw inspiration from everything around me, from literature to music, to human interaction. Each creation is a personal journey, a testament to my own evolving perspective on life and art.
Beyond my career, my life has been enriched by the love and support of my family and friends. I've learned the importance of community, of fostering connections that transcend the world of ballet.
And as I stand backstage tonight, the sound of the audience's applause washing over me like a wave, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the journey that brought me here, for the opportunity to share my art with the world. I am grateful for the dancers, the choreographers, the audiences, and the mentors who have shaped me. Most of all, I am grateful for the magic of dance, for its ability to touch the soul, to ignite imagination, and to remind us of the enduring beauty of human expression.
Some highlights of my career
- Graduated from the Bolshoi Theatre School in Moscow
- Joined the Teatro Municipal Ballet in Rio de Janeiro in 1958
- Joined the Stuttgart Ballet in 1961, under the direction of John Cranko
- Danced the role of Giselle in Cranko's production, which became a signature role for me
- Co-created several productions with John Cranko
- Became director of the Stuttgart Ballet in 1976
- Choreographed numerous works for the Stuttgart Ballet and other companies
- Awarded numerous prizes and honours, including the Prix Benois de la Danse
A message for aspiring dancers
Dance is not just a profession, it's a way of life. It demands dedication, passion, and an unyielding commitment to artistry. Embrace the discipline, the rigors, and the challenges. They will make you a stronger, more resilient dancer. Always remember the joy of dance, the freedom of expression it allows, and the magic it creates. It is a gift you share with the world, a gift that can touch lives in profound and lasting ways. Never stop dreaming, never stop pushing yourself, and never stop believing in the power of your own creativity.