Feathers of Grace: Gabija's Story

Feathers of Grace: Gabija's Story

In memory of Sonia Gaskell(1904-1974)

A true story about how cultural heritage awareness can inspire us to pursue and fulfill our dreams

The backstory

In Vilkaviškis, Lithuania, a ten-year-old girl, who was born on the 22nd of April 2014, named Gabija, practiced her ballet moves every day, spinning, twirling, and dreaming of becoming a famous ballerina. Ballet was her passion, and she was determined to make her dreams come true.

A Memorable Meeting with Elena

One autumn afternoon, as Gabija was practicing in Vilkaviškis Children and Youth's Center, she noticed someone watching her—a pretty woman with a warm smile. It was Elena Čepaitė, a professional guide and director in Vilkaviškis Children and Youth‘s centre "Hello, Gabija," Elena said kindly. "I see you love dancing. Would you like to hear the story of a remarkable ballerina who was born here 120 years ago?" Gabija’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, please!"

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A famous ballerina

Elena led her outside to a small bronze sculpture of Sonia Gaskell. "This is Sonia Gaskel," Elena began. "She was born in this town and went on to become a famous ballet dancer and choreographer. She brought beauty and movement to life on stages around the world."

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As Gabija listened, Elena showed her photos of Sonia Gaskell. Suddenly, the world around Gabija seemed to fade away. She found herself in a grand house, elegantly decorated with the richness of another era. The room was filled with people in fine clothing from 120 years ago, and a soft melody filled the air.

Across the room, a delicate, smiling girl looked at Gabija and held out her hand. "Do you love dancing? Then let’s dance!" The girl was tiny and graceful, her movements as light as air. Gabija felt herself drawn into a magical dance, following the rhythm of the music. As she twirled, she heard Elena’s voice in her mind, telling her the story of Sonia’s life: how Sonia left Vilkaviškis, her dedication to dance, and the challenges she overcame to bring ballet to the world.

A magical dance

Gradually, the scene faded, and Gabija found herself back in front of Sonia’s statue, the music still playing softly in her memory. She felt inspired, ready to pursue her dream with even more passion....

Russia

Poland

Latvia

Belarus

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The Baltic Sea

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The end of story

Vilkaviškis, Lithuania

Sources of the images used:

1. https://alchetron.com/Sonia-Gaskell (pages 8, 9, 12-16) 2. https://www.ecured.cu/Sonia_Gaskell (page 3) 3. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=585274700306702&set=a.224197766414399 (page 3) 4. (page 11) 5. https://www.galerie-com.com/oeuvre/-sonia-gaskell-/515792/ (page 20) 6. https://www.google.lt/search?... (page 19) 7. https://www.levievandermeer.nl/project/sonia-gaskell-pioneer-dance/ (pages 5-6) 8. https://www.mijnstambomen.nl/ballet/sonia.htm (page 11) 9. https://es.pinterest.com/pin/234116880600720722/ (page 7) 10. https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/608197124649999646/ (page 1) 11. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/498632990003002375/ (page 21) 12. https://www.vilkaviskisinfo.lt/en/editable-separated/id-412/ (page 20) 13. https://www.vilkaviskisinfo.lt/del-paramos-sonios-gaskell-skulpturinei-kompozicijai/ (page 17) 14. Photos from Irada Miltinienė’s Personal Album: pages 2, 3, 4, 10

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