Open World Dance Foundation Shirts

As the Foundation's work evolved, we discovered that we could unite many more through our connection to Russian ballet and particularly the training approach created by Professor Agrippina Vaganova in the early 20th century. The school that founders Ekaterina Shchelkanova and Anton Boytsov attended, Vaganova Academy, which has produced so many great dancers, choreographers, and teachers is accessible to very few. Students around the world seek the qualities that it teaches. We began to explore other avenues to serve including summer intensives with some of the most esteemed teachers open to dancers from around the world; festivals and galas that connected dancers and audiences; and other events such as the Baryshnikov Arts Festival that produced photographic exhibits of Vaganova Academy graduate, Mikhail Baryshnikov in celebration of his 65th birthday and the academy’s 275th year.

These successes inspired the Foundation’s slogan “United by Dance”. Goals include: creating opportunities to unite dancers of all ages and backgrounds from around the world through a common love of ballet and dance education including festivals and exchange programs; promoting and preserving dance education, particularly the teachings of Agrippina Vaganova, and following the traditions of ballet including to provide access to ballet training for orphans. To all who love ballet,join us as we strive to make the world a better place by building connections and relationships.
www.openworlddancefoundation.com