ST.PETERSBURG-SAVONLINNA BALLET DAYS: ballet master classes and Ballet Gala in Olavinlinna
July 9-14 2013 Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Finland |
A new stage in the development of cultural links between Finland and Russia: the International Ballet Festival DANCE OPEN gathered the brightest soloists in the most authentic place of a medieval castle Olavinlinna and held a series of master classes for young ballet dancers in Mikkeli.
For at least a century the Finnish town of Savonlinna has been famous for its opera festival. As a development step, recently Olavinlinna castle has started to claim the status of a major European ballet center: for the third time St.Petersburg ballet festival DANCE OPEN, which is admitted to be one of the most influential choreographic forums in the world, gathered here the most outstanding soloists of the Russian and world ballet companies.
DANCE OPEN galas are special for their absolute exclusivity: every year the organizers present the best ballet dancers who are at the height of their fame. These events always perform to a full house - in St.Petersburg as well as abroad. It’s a rare chance for the audience to see la creme a la creme of the world choreography in the most concentrated program. This year on 14 July the Summer Night Stars Gala did not make an exception: brilliant Denis and AnastasiaMatvienko along with AntonKorsakov and AnastasiaKolegova from MariinskyTheater, renowned IrinaPerren, LeonidSarafanov, SabinaYapparova and MaratShemiunov from the MikhailovskyTheater, noble DinuTamazlacaru and elegant IanaSalenko from the StaatsballettBerlin, unequalled LuciaLacara and MarlonDino, star couple from the BavarianStateBallet, adorable AnnaTsygankova and charming MatthewGolding from the Dutch National Ballet danced in Olavinlinna.
Ekaterina Galanova, Head of the International ballet Festival DANCE OPEN: «The Gala is unique for its venue. Very special authentic atmosphere of the medieval castle fits perfectly to the art of ballet emphasizing delicacy and elegance of dance. You simply immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old legends and high feelings…The experience is wonderful and incomparable!» The Gala was held within the project St.Petersburg - Savonlinna Ballet Days supported by South-East Finland – Russia ENPI Program of cross-border cooperation. The project in general did not only connect Russia and Finland in terms of culture but also had educational purposes. Master classes by the teachers of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet are highly demanded all over the world. Supported by the European Program the best students from ballet schools in South-East Finland got an opportunity to attend these master classes for free, making another step towards their dream of being a ballet soloist. After the master classes there was a Gala, this year it took place on 13 July in Mikkeli, and then the students attended the Gala of Ballet Stars in Olavinlinna for free, getting a unique chance to communicate with their idols. It’s hard to say what motivates the future ballet dancers more - training in classes or demonstration of the master skills, they should aspire to. St.Petersburg - Savonlinna Ballet Days project is designed for a long-term cooperation to support cultural links between Saint-Petersburg and South-East Finland. The project was organized by the International Ballet Festival DANCE OPEN in cooperation with Savcor Ballet (Finland).