10 CULTURE The Minsk Times Thursday, May 23, 2013 ‘My dream came true so I am happy’ Alena Lanskaya, representing Belarus at Eurovision-2013 and ranked 16th, considers her performance at the competition a success. After the final show, she shared her impressions with journalists and admitted that she was happy because her childhood dream to participate in Eurovision had, at last, come true. BELTA Alena Lanskaya’s performance in the finals of Eurovision-2013 considered worth of 16th place By Yekaterina Nechaeva to comment on why she thought stressed that ‘she is ready for new was nervous and the contest is a seri- Honoured Artist of Belarus notes Russia had failed to award any discoveries’, noting, “I’ve planned a ous trial. You need distinct charisma that it’s best to take a calm ap- “I’m happy that my dream has points to Belarus this year, to which big solo concert and have recorded to withstand the pressure.” At the proach, focusing on the opportu- come true. I’ve dreamed of Euro- she replied, “The competition is un- a new album in English language same time, she noted that Belarus nity to reach a wider audience and vision for many years,” said Alena, predictable; you have to be ready in London — soon to be released. had presented its song with dignity, gain experience. “For a creative per- adding that she is very grateful to for any outcome.” I have a lot of new ideas and am and was well rehearsed, with Alena son, it’s a good opportunity to show all the team members who helped As to whether Ms. Lanskaya ready to experiment; life goes on.” demonstrating great determination your talent and raise your profes- her to prepare for the perform- would take part in Eurovision next At the International Eurovision- to take part in Eurovision. sional level,” she said. ance. “I’ve been working with a year, she emphasised that she has 2013 Song Contest, Ms. Lanskaya Speaking of the winner, Danish Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest great team and have never before just spent 6 months working on her lacked experience performing on Emmelie de Forest, Ms. Afanasieva won with Only Teardrops, while Az- experienced such unity and under- entry and was looking forward to the big stage, as Honoured Artist of expressed doubts regarding her erbaijan’s Farid Mammadov came standing,” she admitted. “We tried resting. She added, “Another stage Belarus Inna Afanasieva comment- triumph. “While last year’s win- second with Hold Me; Ukrainian hard, did our best and we achieved has been completed in my life. Eu- ed. She explained, “Confidence in ner (Swedish Loreen) was obvious, Zlata Ognevich’s Gravity was placed a good result.” rovision has been a great adventure performing on big stages is gained this year’s is more controversial; of third. Belarusian Alena Lanskaya’s Reporters asked Ms. Lanskaya and journey but is now over.” She with time. It was obvious that Alena course, it’s a matter of taste.” The Solayoh took 16th place. Art instead of sleep International Museum Night, traditionally organised from May 18th to 19th, turns National Art Museum of Belarus into virtual forest By Valery Hmarov brought amusement, as direc- ing a romantic rendezvous over tor Oleg Ryzhkov explains. From the rooftops of the night city. Its The Belarusian Night, or Mu- 20.00 to 01.00, guests were invited Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery host- seum in Fantastic Stories pro- to try their hand at folk crafts or ed Physharmonica (early 20th cen- gramme, combined marshes and painting, while each hall present- tury, Germany): Action and Dance batleika (puppet theatre) at the ed its own programme of concerts from the Past while the courtyard National Art Museum, recreat- and theatrical shows. became a catwalk for 2013/2014 BELTA ing nobleman Zavalnia’s medieval For the first time this year, Belarus Fashion Week, accompa- market between the hours of 19.00 the State Museum of Nature and nied by live music. garde Czech and American films. ary Museum offered visitors its and 24.00. The courtyard opened Ecology and the National History The Zair Azgur Memorial Mu- Meanwhile, the Modern Fine Arts PaUlinka PARTY project, encour- to host a summer café for its kAR- Museum, which share a build- seum-Studio organised its Mu- Museum gave young guests an in- aging creativity through body-art, Toplya project, and a range of en- ing, worked together to present seum Night from 22.00 to 06.00 teractive art show with musical ac- embellished with amazing hair- tertainments, with guests tasting entertainment. The Museum of under the slogan ‘Art instead of companiment; its Street Art Festi- styles, courtesy of professional Belarusian delicacies. Meanwhile, Minsk City History organised Sleep’ with jazz concerts through val coincided with Museum Night hairdressers. The event finished the Potato with Sparks installation puzzles, with prizes, while offer- the night and screening of avant- The Yanka Kupala State Liter- with a firework show..