Ballet RI features story of Holocaust survivor Anka Nachtigal

PROVIDENCE — Dance is more than a form of entertainment; it is a way of storytelling. Through expressive choreography, dancers can reveal emotions that words sometimes cannot describe. The weekend of Oct. 23-25, Ballet RI collaborated with the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center to present the world premiere of “Nachtigal” at the Woodman Center at Moses Brown School. The show brings the story of Holocaust survivor Anka Nachtigal to life through dance.

Rhode Island resident Lilliane Birch, Anka’s daughter, shared her mother’s story of survival in hopes of keeping her family’s memory alive and spreading awareness about the lasting impact of kindness.

Anka’s story began during her high school years, when she stood up for a girl who was being bullied. The two eventually became close friends, and Anka made sure that the girl was never bullied again. 

Years later, that same girl would return Anka’s kindness in a life-changing way. During the Holocaust, as Anka and her family faced the threat of death, her former classmate recognized her and pulled her and her family out of line, saving their lives. An act of kindness that began in high school ultimately became the reason they survived Auschwitz.

The emotional depth of Anka’s story was brought to life through choreography by Yury Yanowsky, who worked directly with Birch on the project. Although the dancers’ movements were often simple, they were powerful, conveying emotions that went beyond the movements themselves. The dancers portrayed the fear, grief and uncertainty experienced by Jewish people during the Holocaust. Their movements reflected the suffering endured, as well as the moments when hope briefly emerged before the harsh reality of their circumstances returned.

The music added to the emotional intensity of the performance by creating an unsettling atmosphere that reflected the fear and uncertainty experienced during the Holocaust. Combined with the dancers’ expressions and movements, the music allowed the audience to connect with the emotions of the story without relying solely on words.

As Ballet RI’s artistic executive director Kathleen Breen Combes wrote in the performance’s playbill, “There is something extraordinary about the ability of dance to communicate what words sometimes cannot.”

Ballet RI’s performance did more than entertain an audience. It educated people, preserving an important story. It helped generations to connect with the experiences of those who lived through history. Anka Nachtigal’s story also served as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting effect. A decision to stand up for someone years earlier ultimately helped save a family, showing how compassion can make a difference when it matters most.

“Nachtigal” is part of “In Motion,” a mixed repertory evening that opened Ballet RI’s 49th season. The next performance is Nov. 6 at the United Theatre in Westerly, R.I.

MAYA CICCHITELLIis a senior at Cranston High School West.