Post-release
On January, 24 2009, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine turned into a splendid palazzo of the times of Lorenzo Medici the Magnificent. Music, dances and XV-centu
ry-style costumes resurrected the genuine atmosphere of a cheerful Florence carnival. Designed and carried out by “Renaissance” Art Production headed by Irena Trots, the ball became the second in the Castle Balls series. The real zest of the event was its grand and charming guest of honour Prince Lorenzo de Medici, descendant of Lorenzo the Magnificent.
This unique event gave the guests an opportunity not only to enjoy the XV century pas performed by the Polish court dances ensemble “Cracovia Danza” but to learn some of the pas for themselves. General joy was kept by Gonella the royal buffoon and ever-active mischievous Satyr and Satyressa never letting anyone a minute’s peace.
The second part of the ball was completely devoted to “Cracovia Danza” a
nd its spectacular performance “Queen Bona's Masquerade”.
As the ending came the charitable lottery held in order to collect money for the Ukrainian young talented artists’ professional progress. A week-end for two at “Grand Hotel Villa Medici” in Florence, granted by “The Leading Hotels of the World ltd.”, became lottery’s main prize and when Prince Lorenzo picked up the lucky number it went to the guest Larisa, unsuspecting and happy.
The carnival came to its end but the guests were reluctant to go and say goodbye to such alive a fairy tale.
But “Renaissance” Art Production Centre speedily assured them that fairy tale is certain to return back and hands of an ancient clock will again count down several centuries…
“Getting Back to the Renaissance”NATIONAL PHILARMONIC on 24 January, Renaissance Art Production held a unique event for Kiev: a ball with a Renaissance theme that went under the handle of the Lorenzo Medici Carnival. The Medicis, of course, distinguished themselves among Renaissance families for their wealth, patronage of the arts and excess, and one can safely assume they threw some serious parties. The National Philharmonic and organizer Irena Trots went out of their way to live up to their spirit, and this wonderful evening featured stunning costumes, authentic music, period dancing and a theatre performance. Lorenzo the Great would have felt right at home.
“What’s on” №02/2009 30 January – 5 February /Vadim Mishkoriz
«ROMEO AND JULIET» COURT BALL
Kiev, September 2007
Inspired by William Shakespeare play and Franco Dzeffirelli film, in May 23 and September 22, 2007 in Kiev fortress, «Romeo and Juliet» court ball went off with great success.
EVENT CLOSE-UP…
Days before the beginning of the ball, fancy dresses disappeared from all ateliers in Kiev. There was great number of people wishing to get to the ball, however not 
everyone was lucky to come there. Those who still visited the event felt as if they are in a true fairytale…
Unlike Shakespeare masterpiece, finale of our play was not tragic and ended up with wedding. That’s because in reality, during centuries 
after the world masterpiece came out, millions of people have been striving to make efforts and change the fate of the young lovers. Therefore due to efforts of professional actors and guests who also played some parts, happy finale for both families of Montecci and Capuletti came true.
One of the ball zests was performance of “Cracovia Danza” court dances ensemble (Krakow, Poland) directed by unsurpassed Romana Agnel. The ensemble is well-known in Europe, as it is one of the few 
and unique ensemble with early Renaissance and baroque motifs in its repertoire; it performs authentic early dances, ballet and pantomime. At the same time, “Cracovia Danza” has won its fame due to «Lady with Ermine» performance made by genius Leonardo and Vinci’s picture and starring Romana Agnel in the leading part.
Although we didn’t have much hope that “Cracovia Danza” would come to Kiev because of its tight schedule, I was very thankful to artists and 
personally to Romana for that they responded to our request and came to Kiev.
Romana Agnel, famous master and tutor of early dances in Europe, conducted master-classesin Kiev, There all the persons interested in dancing could have Romana’s training. After passing master-classes, all guests of the ball were able to join Polish professionals and dance to their pleasure. The dances expressed many emotions – joy, delight and tender feeling of love not only between Romeo and Juliet, but also between two nations – the Ukrainians and Polishes. As Romana Agnel said later, idea of the ball was so interesting, and audience so talented that sometimes it was really hard to distinguish between professional actors and amateurs.
In the finale of the performance two pigeons let fly to the sky symbolized the lovers souls relief; water struck from drained fountain was also symbolic… All the guests greeted happy protagonists, wishing them eternal love and happiness despite of all the difficulties in their lives.
While participating in the fairytale, everybody had got gifts apart of spiritual pleasure. No wonder that after the fairytale came to an end, nobody wanted to leave it…
I believe that fairy-tale like a certain spiritual standard lives in every person soul and waits right time to come out. That is why such festive occasions touch our hearts so much. I noticed that sophisticated fancy dresses perfectly suit modern Romeos and Juliets. Therefore no wonder that many guests did not want to change their dresses and went walking around evening Kiev streets striving to extend fairytale and believing it would get back to their lives again…
See you next time and follows our announcements!
Sincerely yours
Irena Trots