Open World Dance Foundation

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Open World Dance Foundation 🩰Non-profit foundation dedicated to preserving the pure Vaganova technique.
📩 DM for online private lessons with Mariinsky Dancers.

Open World Dance Foundation, which was founded by Ekaterina
Shchelkanova, unites dancers from around the world through dance. The organization's events and activities celebrate the traditions, impact and future of ballet. Activities created by Open World include festivals, exhibits, unique summer intensive Vaganova method trainings, performances, and support of underprivileged youth and orphans receiving ballet training.

10/05/2026

In case you thought pliés were simple… look at how many corrections can be done in 30 seconds!

Plié is the beginning of every ballet class and the foundation for almost every movement in classical ballet.

Thus, it is critical that pliés are executed properly from the very beginning of training.

Follow Open World Dance Foundation for more on Vaganova technique, Summer Intensives, and performance opportunities!

09/27/2026

⭐️ALLA OSIPENKO: legendary ballerina and incredible person

Recently, we asked OWDF Founder Ekaterina Shchelkanova about her memories of working with the famous ballerina, Alla Osipenko.

Back when Shchelkanova was dancing as a soloist at ABT, she would drive up to Connecticut on the weekends to work with Osipenko.

In addition to being an incredible coach, Shchelkanova notes that Alla Osipenko was also “a beautiful person with a very big heart.”

As one of Agrippina Vaganova’s last pupils, Osipenko was a great example of the outstanding technique and artistry that Vaganova’s schooling could produce.

Follow Open World Dance Foundation for more on ballet history, Vaganova technique, training programs, and more!

#аллаосипенко

09/22/2026

Save these arabesque corrections from former Mariinsky and ABT soloist Ekaterina Shchelkanova!

The upper body plays an integral role in every movement in ballet, including arabesque.

Demonstration by ET alumna and dancer with the Russian State Ballet Mari El Lydia / Лидия | балерина • модель

✨From Italy to NYC, Russia, and Germany: the story of Elite Training Alumna Chiara Bergamini After training under direct...
09/17/2026

✨From Italy to NYC, Russia, and Germany: the story of Elite Training Alumna Chiara Bergamini

After training under directors Ekaterina Shchelkanova and Anton Boytsov, Chiara went on to dance professionally with Mainfranken Theater Würzburg in Wurzburg, Germany.

We are incredibly proud of her and happy for her success!

Drop a 👏 to support Chiara and wish her the best of luck for the upcoming season!

09/16/2026

When springing up into sous sous, both legs come together into fifth position.

But when one simply rises into fifth position without plié, which foot “crosses” so that the legs are properly crossed over one another?

Ideally, both legs also come together into fifth position.

🔑 KEY: The body should be so pulled up and turnout should be coming from the glutes and upper leg so that it is possible to “levitate” onto Demi-pointe.

However, if it is necessary to move one foot, the back foot is preferred so that the work is invisible and looks effortless.

Ballet is meant to be about beauty and executing movements so effortlessly that they appear light and other-worldly.

Fifth-position is no exception. 😉

What other questions on Vaganova technique do you have? Comment below and we’ll create a post to answer them!

09/14/2026

POV: your teacher unlocks all the secret details to dancing the Sugarplum Variation 😱😍

Watch and save this video to discover how former Mariinsky and ABT soloist Ekaterina Shchelkanova coaches this variation with Lydia / Лидия | балерина • модель .

Follow Open World Dance Foundation for more on Vaganova technique, Summer Intensives, performance opportunities, and more!

09/07/2026

INSIDE LOOK: Catch these corrections for the Sugar Plum Variation from former Mariinsky and ABT soloist Ekaterina Shchelkanova!

Watch how intricate port de bras and proper holding of the upper body can transform even the simplest of steps 😱

Are you interested in part 2? Comment for more!

Follow Open World Dance Foundation for more on Vaganova training, exclusive looks into professional rehearsals, and news on Summer Intensives!

09/04/2026

Vaganova training for cats included 🤷‍♀️

Address

2200 Front Street, Suite 301
Melbourne, FL
32901

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

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