Dancing heals: how a Croatian ballerina defied war

Sanja Petrovski in the Rector's Palace in 1991

Sanja Petrovski and her students in 2018

Sanja Petrovski in 2018

Sanja Petrovski dancing in the Rector's Palace: in 1991 (left) and 2018 (right)

By Jane Hobson, 19 July 2019

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“Creativity, art and will don’t give up. Those are things that go beyond time and space.”

Lawrence Dunn, 13th May

A group of younger Croatian musicians, including new ensemble Gli Schiavoni, are determined to recover the historical music of Croatia, despite a devastating series of earthquakes and armed conflicts.

Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and beyond

Lawrence Dunn, 10th March

We profile one of the most advanced and best-sounding concert halls in the UK, and take a look further afield at arts and culture across Manchester.

The magical world of composers’ handwriting

Lawrence Dunn, 17th December

From Buxtehude, Bach and Handel, to contemporary composer Liza Lim, we take a tour of the myriad forms of composers’ handwriting and calligraphy – and how music makes itself on the page.

Force of passion: the origins of Ballet Rambert

Alexander Simpkins, 12th December

A century after its founding in 1926, former members of Ballet Rambert recall the joys and challenges of working directly with Dame Marie Rambert, one of the trailblazers of British ballet.

Christmas gifts for music, opera and dance lovers in 2025

Bachtrack, 5th December

What do you buy for the culture lover in your life who seems to have everything? Here are some music and dance-related gifts that Bachtrack staff are giving or hoping to receive for Christmas this year.

Inventing the diva: ballet stars of the 19th century

Elsa Giovanna Simonetti, 3rd December

The great ballerinas of the 19th century were perhaps the first modern celebrities. Rather than bare all, their images cultivated a mysterious, supernatural aura that made them seem unattainable.

Jane Hobson

Jane Hobson is an erstwhile advertising strategist and cowgal, who is now a gun-for-hire in the performing arts. Usually found photographing Work of Extraordinary Beauty, she has also been known to turn her hand to writing. Should you wish to commission her, whether for productions or portraiture, she is to be found at janehobson.com