The Virginia National Ballet delivered a spectacular trio of performances at their recent “Bohemian Rhapsody” show, showcasing their remarkable versatility and technical prowess through three distinct repertoire pieces.
The evening began with “Tango Nights,” set to the passionate music of Astor Piazzolla. The atmospheric stage design evoked an Argentine nightclub where dancers explored the complex emotional landscape of pursuit, betrayal, and romance. The choreography captured tango’s sultry essence while maintaining the company’s signature balletic precision; a captivating introduction that immediately drew the audience into the performance’s emotional world.
“Moonlight Sonata,” a new world premier by Rafik Hegab, and choreographed to Beethoven’s timeless composition cooled the atmosphere with three phases of the moon.. This piece displayed ballet in its most powerful form, with over fifteen dancers executing intricate patterns across the intimate stage. What struck me most was the remarkable juxtaposition of strength and gracefulness – forceful movements executed with extraordinary finesse. The dancers’ stamina and control were evident as they embodied the music’s emotional journey, with visual elements representing lunar phases complementing the crescendos of both music and movement. Sierra Stipetich delivered a particularly breathtaking performance with her fearless pas de trois featuring gravity-defying lifts and seamless transitions between her male counterparts.
The culminating piece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was nothing short of transformative. Choreographer Rafik Hegab, brilliantly fused classical ballet techniques with the electric energy of Queen’s iconic music, creating a synthesis that honored both traditions while creating something entirely new. Six Queen compositions flowed together in a performance that had me repeatedly smiling with sheer delight. The dancers embodied Freddie Mercury’s theatrical spirit while maintaining their classical foundation; a combination that felt organic rather than forced.
Throughout the evening, the company demonstrated remarkable emotional range, transitioning from the moody intensity of tango to the structural elegance of Beethoven, and finally to the bold theatricality of Queen. This versatility speaks to the vision of company founder and managing director, Elysabeth Muscat, and the choreographic genius of Rafik Hegab, who have clearly created an environment where technical excellence and artistic expression flourish equally.
For those who missed this extraordinary performance, there’s one more opportunity to experience it on May 17, 2025, at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in Manhattan. This is a production that deserves to be seen – repeatedly, if possible. It showcases ballet’s timeless ability to evolve while honoring its classical foundations.
The Virginia National Ballet has proven once again that they are a company worth watching, not just for their technical precision, but for their willingness to push the boundaries of what ballet can express.
Photo Credits:Photos by David Pearson, Compliments of Elysabeth Muscat, Managing Director, Virginia National Ballet
Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the Visual Arts Student Show 2025 at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) in Washington, D.C. As I walked through the exhibition with my goddaughter, Nicoletta, a freshman in the Visual Arts Department, I witnessed firsthand how this extraordinary institution transforms artistic potential into polished expression.
“The Vienna Flood ’24” by Lucia Gonzalo Sebastian – 2D Concepts – New Yorker – Nikki explains, “This is difficult medium because of the many details involved in its creation – selection of just the right shades of color papers, assembling meticulously to smoothly apply each piece while keeping the surface clean of glue and staining. But it is so much fun to see the result.”
A Dream Realized
For Nicoletta, DESA represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion. Even as a toddler, while other children played with dolls, she gravitated toward pencils, paints, and clay. Her journey to DESA wasn’t easy—the school’s rigorous admission process admits only 25 visual arts students annually from hundreds of applicants, requiring portfolio presentations and in-person drawing auditions. As her Godmother, her parents invited me to attend the “Family Meeting.”
“To have professional instruction, to be moving art forward, and be in the moment where ideas, vision, and expression move smoothly, is my ideal,” Nicoletta explained as she guided me through the exhibition. The school’s unique structure, dedicating three hours daily to arts education, has transformed her academic experience as well, leading to recognition for her outstanding GPA.
Nikki with 2D Concept collageTiffany with Nikki at her collage
” I loved creating this collage where I incorporated photographs, textures, and graphics. I think I can say that I am happy that it was selected for the show.” Nikki Zapryanov
Team Building Creativity
“Sculpture Left Standing Work” Nikki – Arm, Eliana – Leg, Khepra – Torso, Luana – Head; Luana – Leg
The centerpiece of the exhibition featured four nearly life-size ballerina sculptures created by freshman student teams. Each sculpture represented a beautiful example of collaborative artistry—individual students crafted specific body parts that were later assembled into cohesive wholes under the guidance of their sculpture teacher, Mr. Wesley.
“I carried that leg around with me for months and worked on it at home and at school. I have grown accustomed to having its company,” shared Eliana, pointing to her beautifully extended ballet leg with its perfectly pointed foot.
Leg with Pointed FootSculpture “Left” ArmsSculpture “Left” HeadSculpture Left – Completed
What made these sculptures even more impressive was their construction material: cardboard. When asked about creating such fluid forms from such a rigid medium, one student explained, “We softened it by hand by repeatedly bending and smoothing until it yielded to our shapes.”
Sculpting at HomeWorking on the Arm
A Nurturing Environment
Beyond the impressive artwork, what is striking is the atmosphere of the school itself. The architecture, with its vast, inspiring spaces, creates an environment where creativity flourishes. But it’s the community that truly distinguishes DESA.
Incredible lightGallery WallThis unique ceramic bust by Carol Offutt “came out of the kiln broken. Artist, Carol Offutt, was unfazed; made repairs and it was accepted in the show.Kaleidoscopic Fish SculptureSculpture “alebrije” by Luana Vaca Periz
“I have made wonderful friends. We are a close community where everyone is supportive and lends help when needed. Criticism is constructive, kind, and very valuable,” Nicoletta shared as she introduced us to many of her classmates.
The faculty’s approach reflects this supportive philosophy. When asked about their teaching methods at a previous event, one visual arts teacher explained, “We teach the fundamentals and basics of art—technique, tools, media, and vision. We feel that this is the best way to help prepare our students for the rigors of their future education and ultimately, life.”
Self Portraits of Young and Now – Carolyn OffutSelf Portrait by Lucia Gonzalo SebastianFreshman, Alison, standing in front of her Self-Portrait“This full body drawing III was being finished as it was being hung.” This is by Audrey Hurtt
Growing Artistic Vision
As we explored intricate skull drawings that would inspire next year’s projects, Nicoletta reflected on her artistic development: “This year, my eye has become more developed. I calculate and observe better. I can see differences and note details, symbolism, and emotions.”
Drawings from Students in Drawing II
The exhibition culminated with award presentations, including a historic first—a sculpture titled “Right Standing Work” winning Best in Show. Department Chair Ms. Elana Casey recognized the excellence of the faculty while emphasizing, “We are so honored to be supporting our students’ vision.”
Computer Graphics & Digital ArtWhat do you see?Adobe GraphicsWho’s There?
In a world that often undervalues artistic development, DESA remind us that nurturing creative talent isn’t just about producing art—it’s about developing young people who see the world with greater depth, collaborate with genuine respect, and approach challenges with both technical skill and imaginative vision.
BEST IN SHOW – The first time that a sculpture has been awarded in this category – “Sculpture Sitting Right ““The Self” Drawing III by Ronan Kolodziejcyk – “Ronan has worked on this piece since October, I am so happy that this work earned an award.”
Like many instructions in today’s economic environment, funding has been cut in many ways. The Visual Arts Department field trip to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art had to be cancelled due to cessation of funding. Instead of complaining, Department Chair, Ms. Casey, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for you guys toDONATE and support our mission.”
Ms. Elana Casey, Chair of the Visual Arts DepartmentMs. Casey recognizing Mr. Ibata, Mr. Wesley, and Mr. Blake Johnson
Walking back to our car through the rain, I hardly noticed the weather. My mind was still discovering details in the exceptional student creations I had just witnessed- it was an highly engaging immersive experience—each piece a testament to the transformative power of dedicated arts education.
The familiar notes of Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” echo through the studio as dancers leap, lunge, and spin with unexpected intensity. I’m standing at the front of the rehearsal room of Virginia National Ballet’s rehearsal space, watching a rock masterpiece transform into classical movement before my eyes. This is no ordinary ballet rehearsal, and what’s coming to the stage is certainly no ordinary performance.
A Triple Bill of Transformation
Virginia National Ballet’s upcoming production dissolves boundaries with an ambitious triple bill showcasing their versatility and technical prowess. Back by popular demand, “Bohemian Rhapsody” returns after its 2017 debut, joined by the revival of “Tango Nights,” a sophisticated ballet set to Astor Piazzolla’s music, and “Moonlight Sonata,” a beautiful world premiere by Artistic Director Rafik Hegab.
“We wanted to create something that honors both Queen’s revolutionary spirit and ballet’s timeless grace,” explains Elysabeth Muscat, Founder of Virginia National Ballet. “But this program goes further—it demonstrates our dancers’ ability to completely reinvent themselves across different musical worlds in a single evening,” she adds.
When Rock Meets Ballet: “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Returning after its acclaimed 2017 debut, “Bohemian Rhapsody” stands as the Virginia National Ballet’s most audacious offering. This enhanced production captures Mercury’s vocal journey with stunning fidelity—dancers physically transform as the music shifts from tender ballad to operatic crescendo to hard rock intensity. The masterful blend of classical ballet storytelling with rock-inspired movement creates a visual symphony that reveals entirely new dimensions in Queen’s familiar anthem.
“Just as the song shifts from ballad to operatic drama to hard rock, our dancers embody these transitions physically. It’s not just about dancing to music; it’s about becoming the music’s physical manifestation,” explained Muscat.
I’ve heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” hundreds of times, but never like this. The music crashes through the studio as the dancers respond, and in these fleeting moments, I witness the perfect marriage of rock and ballet—two art forms that shouldn’t work together, yet somehow create something entirely new in their collision.
PC: Curtesy of VNBPC: Curtesy of VNBPC: Curtesy of VNB
Passion and Precision: “Tango Nights”
Without pausing, the rehearsal flows into “Tango Nights,” and the studio’s atmosphere immediately shifts. Bodies that moments ago were interpreting rock now embody the sophisticated language of tango. Set to Astor Piazzolla’s evocative compositions, this ballet explores sensuality and passion through movement that feels both precisely calibrated and dangerously spontaneous.
The dancers’ expressions change, their postures transform, and suddenly we’re transported to the intimate milieu of Argentine dance halls. Rather than echoing vocal complexities as in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the dancers’ bodies now capture the distinctive tensions and releases in Piazzolla’s bandoneon, creating visual manifestations of the instrument’s breathing quality.
Ethereal Contemplation: “Moonlight Sonata”
The rehearsal included Artistic Director Rafik Hegab’s latest creation, “Moonlight Sonata.” If “Bohemian Rhapsody” represents bold artistic fusion and “Tango Nights” embodies passionate sophistication, then “Moonlight Sonata” offers yet another transformation—into ethereal contemplation.
Beethoven’s haunting composition guides dancers through movements that seem to capture moonlight itself—from the First Quarter, to the Full, to the Waning Moon—sometimes clear and defined, other times elusive and mysterious. With remarkable sensitivity, Hegab has created choreography that responds to the music’s tonal qualities, allowing dancers to become physical embodiments of Beethoven’s emotional landscape. A highlight of this program is a striking pas de trois featuring two men and one woman, showcasing lifts, shapes, and “tosses” so innovative I have rarely observed them, much less in a single variation.
What makes this program so remarkable isn’t just the juxtaposition of these diverse pieces, but the seamless resonance the company achieves between sound and movement across wildly different musical worlds.
The Art of Shapeshifting
The dancers of Virginia National Ballet demonstrate remarkable versatility as they navigate through this ambitious triple-bill program. Moving from Queen to Piazzolla to Beethoven in a single performance showcases not just their technical mastery but their extraordinary artistic adaptability. This constant metamorphosis is evident in every aspect of the rehearsal. Dancers transform from classical technicians to rock interpreters to tango masters with seamless fluidity—a shapeshifting quality that demands an entirely new approach to both training and performance.
Sweat glistens on foreheads (mostly the men) as dancers move with precision through the complex choreography. This is a working rehearsal – as the intensity gears up, the dancers shed layers, from full leggings and sweater wraps to bare legs and spaghetti straps. Yet even in these practical moments, their commitment to artistic transformation never wavers.
Sitting in on Virginia National Ballet’s rehearsal, I’m witnessing familiar anthems and classical masterpieces reimagined through the language of dance in ways I never imagined possible. Three distinct musical voices. Three unique movement vocabularies. One company bold enough to transform itself completely, multiple times in a single evening.
Virginia National Ballet’s upcoming performance promises to be a masterclass in artistic shapeshifting—a journey through sound and motion that audiences won’t soon forget. Based in Manassas, Virginia, this company is quietly creating and producing incredible, high-quality productions. But make no mistake—their “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be anything but quiet! I can’t wait to experience this production.
Virginia National Ballet’s triple bill featuring “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Tango Nights,” and the world premiere of “Moonlight Sonata” will be performed at Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Virginia on Sunday, April 27 at 3 PM. Purchase Tickets. I purchased 10 tickets ! Everyone I have mentioned this performance is fascinated. Get your tickets soon.
You can see it in New Yor City on May 17 at the Ailey Citygroup Theater – buy tickets here.
The Remarkable Story of 16-Year-Old Artist, Eva McKinley
Virginia Bluebells at Goose Creek ~ Oil painting by Artist, Eva McKinley
In the rolling hills of Middleburg, Virginia, a remarkable young artist is painting her way into the hearts of her community. At just 16 years old, Eva McKinley is not a typical teenager. She’s a passionate artist, a savvy businesswoman, an eager traveler, and a testament to the power of following one’s creative dreams. Eva labels her work as, “Meaningful artwork inspired by nature” and herself, as “The Old Fashioned Girl.”
From Vienna to Watercolors
Eva’s artistic journey began early. While living in Vienna, Virginia, she discovered her love for art through outside-of-school art lessons. Watercolors quickly became her medium of choice, a passion that has only grown stronger with time. Although, her prowess with oil paints is every impressive. “I was always creative,” she recalls, her eyes lighting up as she describes her early experiences with art.
The Education That Nurtures Creativity
Eva’s path to artistic excellence has been shaped by thoughtful educational choices. “My middle school experience preserved my childhood,” she shares. “I built friendships and saw how different students learn, all in an outdoor homeschool co-op.” Her foundation of learning in nature proved instrumental in her development.
When her family recognized how deeply the outdoors inspired her creativity, they made pivotal decisions. “I chose to homeschool in my high school years so I can spend more time learning and doing the things I love,” she explains. Her parents moved to Philomot, Virginia for a higher quality of life and to afford her tranquility and natural spaces, her father adjusted his work to be remote, and the entire family embraced homeschooling, in part to support Eva’s artistic and entrepreneurial growth. Eva has a teenage sister (who helps her with packaging her prints and stationary) and toddler sister and brother (who is also interested in art).
Eva’s work is sold in Second Nature Coffee Co., Leesburg, VA PC: Curtesy Eva McKinley A basket of prints and stationary for Green Hill Winery PC: Curtesy Eva McKinley Gallery DisplayPC: Curtesy Eva McKinley
A Businesswoman Beyond Her Years
What sets Eva apart is her extraordinary approach to her craft. She’s not just an artist – she’s a strategic entrepreneur. After a year of learning and analyzing her market, Eva developed a sophisticated business plan that would impress seasoned professionals.
Her strategy is refreshingly direct. She visits businesses with a basket of prints and cards, carefully curating her approach. The result? Her artwork is now displayed in 11 different storefronts between Middleburg and Purcellville. In 2024 alone, she painted 30 paintings – a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
A box of colors – transforms magically into magnificent paintings
“Brushes are the most expensive tools,” says Eva – displaying her favorites
The Moment Everything Changed
Eva vividly remembers the turning point in her artistic journey. “In 2024, I submitted two pieces of artwork to the Artists in Middleburg Gallery. I had no expectations whatsoever that they would sell, considering I was only a teenager and there were seventy other talented adult artists in that exhibit,” she recounts. “But to my great astonishment, I sold my first two paintings that month.”
That unexpected success transformed her confidence. “There are hardly any words to describe the feeling when a stranger sees a glimpse of the same beauty I saw, and decides to buy the original painting,” she says. Since that breakthrough moment, Eva has sold almost twenty original paintings and hundreds of art prints, and stationary packages.
Finding Her Unique Voice
While many local artists focus on horses and equestrian scenes, Eva has created her own niche. Her true passion lies in capturing wineries – spaces filled with memories and untold stories. “Wineries hold so many memories for so many people,” she explains. “Being able to provide them with an image of their special places is very meaningful to me.”
A recent oil painting that lead to more commissions and special projects. PC: Curtesy Eva McKinleyWater color – Green Hill Winery PC: Curtesy Eva McKinleyEva’s eyes light up while sharing her painting and selling adventures of this oil paintingThe captivating image! Virginia Bluebells at Goose Creek. PC: Curtesy of Eva McKinley
Her creative process is both methodical and intuitive. She travels to her chosen locations, takes photographs, and then begins the delicate work of sketching and painting. A single watercolor can take between 5 to 10 hours, while her oil paintings might require 15 to 20 hours of dedicated work.
A World of Inspiration
Eva’s artistic vision has been broadened by extensive travel experiences. Her family has explored nearly half of the US National Parks and more than two dozen countries, exposing her to diverse landscapes and cultural perspectives that influence her work.
The crystal clear waters of Lake Ohrid by Eva McKinley, artistThe sailboats that Eva loves to sail during her summers on Lake Ohrid By Artist Eva McKinleyNorth Macedonia – Saint John at Kaneo believed to have been built in the 13th C. By Artist, Eva McKinley
Her North Macedonian heritage provides another wellspring of inspiration. One of her favorite summer activities is spending weeks in their small apartment overlooking Lake Ohrid. “Her paintings of the crystal-clear water, the boats that she sails, and the breathtaking church, Saint John at Kaneo, inspire her creative freedom,” notes a family friend. This summer, she looks forward to rowing on the beautiful Macedonian lake and capturing interesting scenery as only she can.
“Since our move to the beautiful Middleburg countryside where there is no lack of inspiration for an artist,” Eva shares. Beyond painting, she finds joy in “tending to my gardens, reading classic books, and spending time painting, in my studio and outdoors.”
A Family That Supports Dreams
Eva credits her success to her incredibly supportive family. Her mother, a business professional, has been instrumental in her education. Eva has learned financial analysis, market metrics, and business calculations as part of her curriculum – skills that have proven invaluable in her art business.
“While our family hasn’t done organized sports during the school year, we spend our summers outdoors sailing, swimming and hiking,” Eva explains, highlighting the balance her family has struck between education, art, and active outdoor living.
Community and Giving Back
Eva isn’t just selling art; she’s sharing her passion. She teaches watercolor classes at the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, inspiring others to explore their creativity. She is participating in this year’s Foxes on the Fence fundraiser for the Middleburg Art Council by completing a fox shaped painting to be auctioned for the event.
“It brings me so much happiness to recall all the people I have met who have seen my art and purchased it for their home or gifted it to their loved ones,” she reflects.
Her goals are ambitious – she dreams of painting all 50 Virginia vineyards and continues to participate in local art festivals like Art in the Burg and Art of the Piedmont. She also hopes to visit all of the National Parks and create paintings from those adventures.
20 Watercolor pallets ready to teach a Sunday Sketch Class A Fox for Foxes on the Fence Fundraiser PC: Curtesy of Eva McKinley
Looking to the Future
With visits to universities like the University of Virginia already underway, Eva is exploring her next chapter. “I would love to continue to grow my art business and have many goals and dreams. I think that I would like to study artas well as business,” she shares, perfectly reflecting her dual artistic and entrepreneurial mindset.
But perhaps most remarkable is her long-term vision. “Ultimately, I would like to save enough funds to buy my own piece of heaven in Loudoun County, where I’d like to start a school from pre-K through high school,” Eva reveals. “My dream is to create a learning experience that is focused on classical studies but with lots of time spent outdoors. And I’ll probably teach a lot of art lessons too,” she adds with a smile.
“I hope that my art makes people pause and be drawn to it,” Eva says. “From local Virginia scenery to the awe-inspiring National Parks, my hope is that my artwork brings peace, beauty and joy into their homes.”
And pause we do – captivated by the talent, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit of this extraordinary young artist.
Eva gains her inspiration from meadows and mountains.PC: Curtesy of Eva McKinleyA commission. Artist: Eva McKinley A commission. Artis: Eva McKiinley
In a world that often separates art from business, Eva McKinley is proving that creativity and strategy can beautifully coexist, while nurturing a vision that extends far beyond her canvases.
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