Prepare for audition season with the best! APPLY NOW for our 3-Day Workshop with Mariinsky dancers.
February 18 – 20, 2023
Manhattan, New York City
World-renowned dancers Ekaterina Shchelkanova and Anton Boytsov will hold special technique, variations, and pas de deux classes designed to help you stand out and become your best for audition season!
DEADLINE: February 13, 2023
LOCATION AND TIME
Our 2023 Workshop will be held right in the heart of Manhattan, New York City at 48 W 68th St (Studio Maestro, Studio 2). These spacious studios are a close walk to Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle.
February 18: 2:30 – 6 PM
February 19 and 20: 2 – 6 PM
EKATERINA SHCHELKANOVA
Former soloist of Mariinsky Theatre and American Ballet Theatre, graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy, Director of Elite Training Program
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, OWDF Founder
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.
Elite Training Program / Summer Intensive
In addition to offering access to amazing instructors, our training programs also provide an entry point to other Open World Dance Foundation programs – particularly our Elite Training Program , Summer Intensive, and performances. All attendees at our Winter Master Classes and Summer Intensive 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 by Ms. Shchelkanova and Mr. Boytsov. We are delighted that three of our students from 2017 are now members of professional companies in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia and performing around the world!
