• Dancers from the Baghdad Ballet Academy perform in a show called The Four Realms at Al Rashid theatre, in the Iraqi capital. AFP
    Dancers from the Baghdad Ballet Academy perform in a show called The Four Realms at Al Rashid theatre, in the Iraqi capital. AFP
  • The academy has managed to survive decades of unrest in Iraq. AFP
    The academy has managed to survive decades of unrest in Iraq. AFP
  • The music and ballet school was founded in 1968, with Russian teachers. EPA
    The music and ballet school was founded in 1968, with Russian teachers. EPA
  • In 1982 the government instructed that Iraqi staff, trained in Moscow, should take over. EPA
    In 1982 the government instructed that Iraqi staff, trained in Moscow, should take over. EPA
  • Students learn conventional subjects each morning, then go for rigorous music and ballet classes in the afternoon. AFP
    Students learn conventional subjects each morning, then go for rigorous music and ballet classes in the afternoon. AFP
  • The school enrols both boys and girls. AFP
    The school enrols both boys and girls. AFP
  • Dancers from the academy get ready backstage before their performance. AFP
    Dancers from the academy get ready backstage before their performance. AFP
  • Dancers from the academy get ready backstage before their performance. AFP
    Dancers from the academy get ready backstage before their performance. AFP
  • Dancers from the Baghdad Ballet Academy perform in a show entitled "The Four Realms" at Al-Rasheed theatre in Baghdad, on February 24, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)
    Dancers from the Baghdad Ballet Academy perform in a show entitled "The Four Realms" at Al-Rasheed theatre in Baghdad, on February 24, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)
  • Dancers perform The Four Realms. AFP
    Dancers perform The Four Realms. AFP

MENA

Dancers from the Baghdad Ballet Academy perform The Four Realms - in pictures

The school has managed to survive decades of unrest in Iraq

The National

February 25, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

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While you're here
RACE CARD

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

more from Janine di Giovanni
Updated: February 25, 2023, 12:40 PM
Iraq