Taking the scenic route

I am not sure if the following report is true, but it does make for funny press. Also, if you cannot afford the Opera, just drive through some heavy traffic!!

Romanian Policemen Take Ballet Lessons

Balkan Travellers

27 February 2008

Next time you’re stuck in a Timişoara traffic jam and looking for a diversion to pass the time, just look out your window at the policeman directing the traffic. And don’t be surprised if you find certain elements of his moves reminiscent of a Swan Lake performance: instead of rigidly standing, arms outstretched, the policeman may signal you to go by standing in the arabesque pose, with one leg stretched straight out to the back and one arm extended out to the front.

This is because, as reported by international media, traffic policemen in the western Romanian city of Timişoara are taking regular ballet lessons to make them more elegant and graceful when directing traffic. Around two dozen members of the city’s community police are attending classes under two former dancers of the city’s Opera Ballet.

"The aim is to develop an ability to regulate traffic and achieve elegance in their movements, which will not only be agreeable to the eyes but could also help drivers waiting at a red light get rid of their stress or sadness," head of community police in the town of Timişoara, Dorel Cojan, told international media.

The initiative, which will at first consist of two classes per week for a month, is directed only at community policemen, who are responsible mainly for road safety and sometimes regulate traffic manually.

In the meantime, if you won’t be going through Timişoara anytime soon, but want to witness some graceful male ballet moves, we recommend renting the recorded version of the controversial Swan Lake performance, choreographed by Matthew Bourne, where the swans’ parts are danced by men.