As Türkiye Haber Portalı, we visited Madam Lili Barokas, one of the most established and dynamic ballet instructors in the history of the Republic, at her home. Known for her dedication to the art of ballet, Barokas continues to inspire both new generations and her former students with her artistry.
Who is Madam Lili Barokas?
Lili Barokas was born in Istanbul to a Ukrainian mother and a Spanish-Bulgarian father. Her talent for dance was evident from a young age, and she was discovered by a ballet teacher during a school performance. This early ballet training marked a significant turning point in her life.
Early Ballet Experience and Training
Barokas’s ballet journey gained momentum with classes she started with her mother’s support. After an unfortunate incident with her first ballet teacher, she met the renowned Russian ballet instructor, Miss Arzumanova, and became part of the performance titled ‘Forest Tale’ organized for İsmet İnönü in Ankara. Performing on a major stage at such a young age was a crucial experience that guided her ballet career.
Turkey’s Ballet Star: Lili Barokas
Lili Barokas made a name for herself by winning a ballet competition held at the Eminönü Public House. Following the competition, Barokas was recognized by many ballet instructors and continued her training, making significant strides in her ballet career. With the help of friends who provided ballet training at the opera and conservatory, Barokas continuously refined her experience in the ballet world.
Special Guest at Mimar Sinan University
Madam Lili Barokas attended ballet classes as a special guest at Mimar Sinan University. She meticulously followed the classes taught by foreign ballet instructors, using the knowledge gained to develop her own teaching methods. By applying the techniques and methods she learned at home, Barokas successfully evolved as a continually renewing educator.
Madam Lili Barokas’s Memories and Experiences
Over the years in the ballet world, Madam Lili Barokas has accumulated many unforgettable memories. One of her shared memories includes her experience with a Royal Academy instructor sent from London to Istanbul. During this period, she had the opportunity to provide her students with international-standard education and ultimately earned her teaching diploma.
In another memory, Barokas spoke about her desire to play the piano. Due to not having a piano at home, she started piano lessons with a neighbor’s piano and later shared the story of purchasing her own piano. This piano experience opened a new door for her into the world of music.
Key Discussion Notes
One of Madam Lili Barokas’s intriguing remarks about her life was the difficulties she faced during her early ballet training. She shared an anecdote about the excitement and challenges she experienced when she first had the opportunity to perform on stage at a young age. She also highlighted the steps she has taken to ensure her students receive education up to international standards.
Barokas excitedly recounted her surprise and the process that followed when she received an offer to write a book during a holiday period. She discussed her experiences in writing and publishing the book, emphasizing the values and lessons she gained from the process.
Madam Lili Barokas’s life, filled with ballet and music, has left a lasting impact on the art world. Her experiences and teaching methods play a crucial role in passing the art of ballet to future generations. With her passion and dedication to the art, Barokas continues to be one of the most significant figures in Turkey’s ballet history.
At the end of the conversation, Madam Lili Barokas emphasized her commitment to contributing to Turkey’s ballet world and inspiring young people to appreciate the arts. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming workshops she will conduct with students and shared her hopes for a future filled with art.
