BEYOND DANCE: A MISSION TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN DISPLACED BY ONGOING WAR IN UKRAINE
Open World Dance Foundation has always been driven by the mission statement “United By Dance.” Through performances, exhibitions, festivals, and ballet programs, OWDF has brought people of all ages and backgrounds together through a mutual love of dance and art.
In light of recent world events, we would like to continue doing our part in spreading kindness and inspiration through art. This year’s program will be a very special intensive that not only offers top-level ballet training to pre-professional and professional dancers, but incorporates a mission to help children and youth who have been displaced by ongoing war in Ukraine.
The 2023 Summer Program will be held for three weeks in Bulgaria, where many displaced youth and children have taken refugee.
OWDF will bring dancers from the most prestigious theatres around the world to provide the best ballet training possible. Parallely, war-displaced children and youth will be given a chance to learn and perform choreography in an exciting performance held at the end of the program.
We believe that art knows no borders, and young children of all backgrounds deserve to be inspired and educated.
We invite directors, choreographers, dancers, and teachers from all over the world to join us for a summer that is not only about bettering our own selves and aspirations, but improving the lives of others!
July 31 – August 19, 2023
AUDITION
We accept dancers ages 11 and older, including professional dancers. Past participants have come from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, UK, and the United States. Some have trained in the Vaganova style, while others came from an emphasis on other styles.
- Print, complete, and scan or photograph the Audition Form by clicking here.
- Register and submit payment for your video audition at the following link: PAYMENT LINK
- Create a 10-15 minute video including the following:
- The applicant stating his/her name, age, and reason for pursuing ballet training;
- Short combinations at the barre, on one side only, of the following: Plié, battement tendu, rond de jambe par terre, grand battements;
- Center work: Adagio, petite and grand allegro, turns.
Finally, please send your Audition Form and video link to ekaterinaowf@gmail.com. Those who submit a video audition can expect to hear the results of their audition within two weeks.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT VIDEO AUDITION:
MAY 30, 2023
TEACHER TRAINING
“Your intensive gives the feeling that you are in the cradle of dance.”
– Teacher Training Participant from Argentina, 2019
Teaching presents a unique world of challenges and opportunities, and our teachers at OWDF understand that fully. OWDF’s Teacher Training Program was created to not only pass down the secrets and traditions of the Vaganova Method, but to help teachers all over the world with becoming even more knowledgeable and effective with their work. In doing so, OWDF aims to further our mission to preserve the quality and beauty of classical ballet for future generations to enjoy.
Participants of the Teacher Training Program will have the opportunity the observe all Summer Intensive classes taught by our faculty of ballet stars and masters. This is a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the working process of top ballet stars and access the tips and tricks that these professionals have gained over decades of experience. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their individual questions in daily Question and Answer sessions, learn from analyses of selected variations and repertoire, and listen to lectures on unique aspects of Vaganova training.
We also encourage Teacher Training Program participants to bring along their students to the Summer Intensive program to gain the most effective results.
I had a fabulous experience! St. Petersburg was new to me, but I felt immediately at home. Ballet was the link. The hours in the dance studio, watching and relearning the beautiful syllabus that Vaganova created made me love, all over again, the great Russian dancers of the past. Vaganova synthesized and amalgamated all the prevailing styles of her time into a harmonious blend. What genius! Thank you Ekaterina and Anton for bringing her alive! Now, back home, I am bringing that spirit into the studio and sharing it with the next generation.
– Elizabeth Fisk, participant of our 2019 Teacher Training program in St. Petersburg, Russia
*LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE; FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS*
To apply, please complete the Registration Form and send a photo or scan of it to ekaterinaowf@gmail.com along with your resume.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 30, 2023
DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS
If you are a director or choreographer interested in participating, please email our Director ekaterinaowf@gmail.com with your inquiry and resume.
FACULTY
SELECTED STARS OF TOP THEATRES OF THE WORLD
YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
TRUE MASTERS OF THEIR PROFESSION
*** PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE FACULTY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON!***
Ekaterina Osmolkina
First Soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, Honoured Artist of Russia, graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy
After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1999, Ekaterina Osmolkina went on to work with the Mariinsky Theatre. Along with being awarded the tile Honoured Artist of Russia, Ekaterina was the prize-winner at the Vaganova-prix competition (St Petersburg, 1998) and recipient of the Golden Sophit, St Petersburg’s highest theatre prize (2006). She has been described as possessing a mastery that has been “honed to the degree that it is not just powerful, but meaningful” by Kultura. After more than 20 years of performing with the Mariinsky Theatre, Osmolkina continues her career as a First Soloist with grace and poise.
ANDREI GARBUZ
Former artist of the Mariinsky Theatre, teacher of Vaganova Ballet Academy, Men’s Program Teacher at 2023 Summer Program
Andrei Garbuz graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1970 under the tutelage of Semyon Kaplan, who was a legendary figure of Russian ballet. Garbuz went on to dance many soloist roles in the Kirov (now Mariinsky) Theatre, and was the dependable partner of such ballerinas like Zhanna Ayupova and Elena Yevteyeva. With a soaring jump and regal quality to his dancing, Garbuz graced the Mariinsky stage in such critical roles like the Blue Bird in “Sleeping Beauty,” pas de trios in “Swan Lake,” and peasant pas de deux in “Giselle.”
After a successful dancing career, Garbuz taught at the Vaganova Ballet Academy for many years. He is well-regarded by many for his mastery as both a dancer and teacher and we are delighted to have join us in heading our Men’s Program of the 2023 Summer Intensive!
See below for a video of Mr. Garbuz performing the role Blue Bird from Petipa’s “Sleeping Beauty” on the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.
MAXIM ZYUZIN
Current Second soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy
Maxim Zyuzin graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 2001 and joined the Mariinsky Theatre the same year. He has toured with the Mariinsky Theatre to Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, France, the USA, China, Japan and Azerbaijan. His repertoire includes: Le Corsaire (Lankedem); La Bayadère (Magdaveya); The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Désiré, Prince Chéri, Prince Fleur de Pois, the Blue Bird); Swan Lake (Prince Siegfried, Pas de trois); Raymonda (Béranger, Grand pas); Le Sacre du Printemps (Elders, Youths) and many others.
EKATERINA SHCHELKANOVA
Former soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre and American Ballet Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy, OWDF Founder
Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ekaterina Shchelkanova (Chtchelkanova) received her dance training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy. Upon graduation, she joined the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky Theatre) as a soloist, where she danced a variety of leading roles in major classical ballets. Ms. Shchelkanova joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995, and as a soloist with the Company, she excelled in a variety of soloist and principal roles.
Ms. Shchelkanova’s versatility, strong classical training and technical skill in classical and contemporary dance allowed her to work closely with legendary Twyla Tharp, Sallie Wilson, John Neumeier, Frederik Franklin, and Mark Morris. Her amazing training and pure classical line were noticed by such masters as Gelsey Kirkland, Natalia Makarova, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
In January 2006, Ekaterina accepted a position of Artistic Director at the Berlin International Dance Festival. As a guest, Ekaterina taught classes at the National Ballet of Canada and ABT’s JKO School. She joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as ballet mistress and since September 2007, held the same position at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal until she founded Open World Dance Foundation.
ANTON BOYTSOV
Former dancer of Mariinsky Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy, stage partner of Ulyana Lopatkina, Svetlana Zakharova, and many more
At the age of 10, Mr. Boytsov was accepted to Vaganova Academy of St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduating from Vaganova Academy, Mr. Boytsov was invited to join Kirov Ballet (now Mariinsky Theatre), where his great partnering skills allowed stage partnerships with such stars like Uliana Lopatkina, Svetlana Zakharova, Yulia Makhalina, Altinai Asilmuratova, Olga Chenchikova, and many others.
In 2011, Mr. Boytsov organized and helped to host JKO School of American Ballet Theatre first teacher’s training course in St. Petersburg, Russia.
This international event opened doors to teachers and ballet students of America and Russia to fruitful collaborations through projects connecting the ballet communities of America, Russia, and other countries. In 2013-14, Mr. Boytsov worked with Ballet Theatre Houston and Robert Underwood’s Studio of Dance. Currently, Mr. Boytsov enjoys sharing his professional skills and love for dance through Open World Dance Foundation as a founder and Vice-President.
For a more detailed biography on our founders, please click here.
IRINA SHELESHNEVA
Stage Acting Teacher, Artist of the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre (Konstantin Tachkin), Ballet Mistress
Irina Sheleshneva received her master’s degree in the Preparation of Choreography from the Vaganova Ballet Academy. Since 2016, she has been the assistant to the late Aleksandr Stepin, who was the beloved acting teacher of the Vaganova Ballet Academy and repetiteur of Yakobson’s works. From 2018 – 2022, she choreographed contemporary pieces for students of the Vaganova Ballet Academy for their exams and concerts. She is presently the author and director of the project “From Classics to Performance” and the acting teacher at the Dolgushin Classical Ballet School.
Ms. Sheleshneva will lead acting classes at our 2023 Summer Program.
For her full resume (in Russian), please view here.
CURRICULUM
This intensive features a well-rounded program to help each dancer reach their highest potential both technically and artistically! Classes include:
- Conditioning–special floor exercises done by dancers of the Mariinsky Theatre
- Classical Ballet Technique
- Pointe
- Men’s Technique
- Variations/Coaching
- Character dance
- Stage Acting
- Pas de deux
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL MACON
STUNNING HOTEL FEATURING BALLET STUDIOS, A GYM, SWIMMING POOL, SAUNAS, AND MASSAGE FACILITIES
TUITION PACKAGES
For schools or teachers with a group of at least five students who wish to join our program, we offer a special group discount. Please contact ekaterinaowf@gmail.com for more information.
FULL PACKAGE: TUITION + HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
3 WEEKS: 1950 EUROS
2 WEEKS: 1550 EUROS
1 WEEK: 950 EUROS
TUITION ONLY
3 WEEKS: 1600 EUROS
2 WEEKS: 1300 EUROS
1 WEEK: 750 EUROS
*** A PROFESSIONAL RATE for dancers in professional companies is available upon request. For inquiries, please email: ekaterinaowf@gmail.com.***
ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
ELITE TRAINING PROGRAM
In addition to offering a rare opportunity to learn from our amazing instructors, this Summer Program also provide an entry-point to other training programs – particularly our year-round Elite Training Program. All attendees at our Winter Workshops and Summer Intensives have the opportunity to be considered for year-round, hands-on, elite training and coaching. This program is offered to a maximum of eight students each year. Our Elite Training students are featured in soloist and demi-soloist roles in our performances, and travel the world while being coached Ms. Shchelkanova and Mr. Boytsov. We are delighted that alumni of our ET program have become members of professional companies in Russia and are performing around the world!
LOCATION
SVETI VLAS , BULGARIA
In addition to the unique training opportunities offered at this Summer Intensive, participants will get the chance to experience unique, beautiful, and historic Bulgaria!
With golden beaches opening up to the Black Sea, Sveti Vlas is a stunning resort town nestled at the foot of the Balkan Mountians. It features a unique microclimate and rich, multicultural history dating back to the 2nd century. “The sea air, saturated with ions of iodine and other beneficial microelements, is good for health. Coniferous forests growing on the mountain slopes also make it curative.” (History of Sveti Vlas)
U.S. citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period!
For citizens from other countries, we will be able to provide invitation letter support.