Adolescence - Chapter 3
With their mother and eldest sister absent, Bronya assumed responsibility for managing the household, which now comprised more boarders than family members. Joseph had earned his gold medal upon completing school and was pursuing his studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Warsaw. Plagued by a strong intellectual ambition, the sisters felt frustrated by the fact that the University of Warsaw remained closed to women. It was a time where Manya, still one of the youngest yet brightest student took much interest in the political atmosphere of the time, reading the poetry of Nekrasov and celebrating the assassination of Tsar Alexander II.
When not studying schoolwork or politics, Manya was passionate about dancing. Not old enough to dance herself, the girls learned all the classic dances from the school ballet master.
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The Lancers is a quadrille dance, which originated in France in the early 19th century. It consists of a series of five figures, each with its own unique choreography, set to lively music. The dance became popular in England and Ireland, as well as in other parts of Europe and the United States. It is typically performed by four couples arranged in a square, with each couple taking turns to perform the various figures.
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The Polka is a lively, energetic dance that originated in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) in the mid-19th century. It quickly gained popularity across Europe and later in the United States. Polka music is characterized by its distinctive 2/4 time signature and a strong, upbeat tempo. The dance itself involves couples dancing together with a series of small, quick steps and various turns, hops, and skips.
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The mazurka is a lively Polish dance characterized by its triple meter (3/4 or 3/8 time) and a spirited tempo, with an emphasis on the second or third beat. The various steps of the mazurka, such as hops, slides, and turns, accompanied by the distinct clicking of the heels. The dance was a reflection of Polish culture and tradition, and its rhythms inspired many composers, including Frédéric Chopin.
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The oberek, also known as the ober, is another traditional Polish dance. This fast, spirited dance is typically performed in a 3/8 time signature and involves numerous turns and spins. The name "oberek" comes from the Polish word "obracać," meaning "to spin" or "to whirl." As a child, Marie Curie would have seen couples dancing closely together, showcasing the energy and grace of this traditional Polish dance.
In June of 1883, at 15 years old, Manya received her gold medal for completing all the schooling available to her. It was decided she would take a year off before pursuing her career, what ever that would be.
During that year she admits to become very lazy.
“I read no serious books, only harmless and absurd little novels...Thus, in spite of the diploma confirring on me the dignity and maturity of a person who had finished her studies, I feel incredibly stupid. Sometimes I laugh all by myself, and I contemplate my state of total stupidity with genuine satisfaction.”
During this leisurely year, Marie Curie may have developed a fondness for French men. While residing in the countryside with Comtesse de Fleury, Manya and Bronya enjoyed a carefree life. On one memorable St. Louis' night, they danced until dawn, with Manya dancing so passionately that she wore the soles off her leather shoes.
