Open World Dance Foundation - VISIT SUMMER INTENSIVE PAGE FOR AN EXCITING UPDATE
Using dance to provide the opportunity to dream, to believe in dreams, and to bring those dreams to reality.
Many girls dream of being a ballerina. That dream knows no borders. Founder, Ekaterina Shchelkanova always wanted to dance and could not imagine her life without ballet. Luckily, her parents were very supportive and gave her the opportunity. She had a great career and felt wonderfully blessed.
"Children are the true wealth of Russia,'' said Ms Shchelkanova. "Therefore, we must do everything so that every child, especially children without parents, have the opportunity to realize their full creative potential and find their way in life.''
Open World's primary goal is to further the development of the Russian school of ballet by fostering the creative talents of orphaned children. Through contact with the arts and benefiting from professional psychological care, these children will be reintegrated into society. The foundation provides ongoing assistance for those who pursue professional ballet education. Both Russian children, and those from other countries, benefit from foundation activities including advice and assistance for professional career advancement, international exchanges, summer courses, dance festivals and concerts in the US, Russia and, in the future, Europe.
Ms Shchelkanova said, "I dreamt of becoming a dancer since my early childhood, so I understand how a child feels when he does not have the possibility to make his dreams come true. It is not easy to live like that. My main priority right now is to help these children realize their dreams. Dancing and ballet classes give great experience. They teach discipline, develop physical strength, and impart aesthetic taste. Even if children will not become professional dancers these classes will still positively affect their individual development and will help them to gradually become full-fledged members of society."
Foundation partners and friends:
Orphanages of St Petersburg, Russia
Vaganova Ballet Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
Baryshnikov Arts Center, Artistic Director Mikhail Baryshnkikov, New York City, New York, United States
American Ballet Theater, Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, New York City, New York, United States
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet, Principal Franco DeVita, New York City, New York, United States
Ballet Theatre Houston, Artistic Director Robert Underwood, Houston, Texas, United States
The Jacobson State Ballet Academy Theater, St Peterbsurg, Russia
Grace Charity Fund, St Petersburg, Russia
Friends Club of the Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, St Petersburg, Russia
The National School of Contemporary Ballet, Montréal, Canada,
and
Many of the world's greatest dancers including
Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalya Makarova, Alla Osipenko, Irina Kolpakova, Vladilen Semionov,Lazaro Carenno, Jose Carenno, Alessandra Ferri, Vladimir Malakhov, Julio Bocca, David Hallberg, Uliana Lopatkina, and many more.
