Dance Open Master classes have extraordinary reputation among the young dancers from all over the word. Young candidates don’t scare long distance flights, language difficulties and famous teachers’ magnitude on their way to legendary rehearsal rooms of St. Petersburg. These classrooms blessed by a special atmosphere still keep the vibes of energy and faith of those who were dancing here for decades and mastered their skills to perfection. The air itself seems exceptional here — it is like a magnetic substance essential for the development of new talents.

Each year, the Festival enchants boys and girls with a wonderful opportunity to explore the secrets of the legendary Russian ballet school and to discover new nuancesof its refined style. This is a chance not only to learn from the bestteachers, but also to uncover one’s own talents, to gain in selfconfidence, and to delight in one’s progress. This gives each and every one of them a chance to get a little closer to their dreams. «Their dreams of international stardom» a bystander might think. But no, that’s not it. These young swans, only cygnets still, torture their feet not in search of reverberating fame. Just as a writer cannot put down his pen, or a musician stop the music constantly sounding in his head, so these little boys and girls, fascinated by the artistry and the magic of the dance, cannot breathe without en dedans and jetés.

Dance Open Young Stars Gala presents to the St. Petersburg public young dancers from all around the world. Each year, new names are introduced. Each year, there is the opportunity to look down the ages. The stage of the Hermitage Theatre, impregnated with centuries of history, is opened to the future again. The new season of ballet discoveries will take place on April 16.