Kickstarter

The Open World Dance Foundation presents: "Dance Without Borders."  A project that gives an opportunity to dream, believe in dreams, and bring those dreams to reality.

This idea was born a long time ago.  I always wanted to dance and could not imagine my life without it.  Luckily, my parents were very supportive and gave me the opportunity.  I had a great career and feel I have a wonderfully blessed life.  When I think of children without parents or a support system, I want to help them realize the creative and beneficial aspects of dreaming—that it is not something forbidden.  That is why, I found among my friends those who are willing to share the stage with orphans, unprofessional children from St. Petersburg, Russia and American children who already dance and are dreaming of dance.

On April 21, 2012, Mikhail Baryshnikov's Howard Gilman Performance Space at the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) in New York, will become a stage for the Children of Orphanage #46 in St. Petersburg, Russia in a performance with Opera Diva Anna Neterbko and principals from American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Boston Ballet—including Veronika Part, Joaquin DeLuz, Charles Askegard, Susan Jaffe, Carlos Molina and many others.  Together they will share an experience with those who love dance, music, and art.  With your help, the money raised here on Kickstarter, will go toward covering some of the expenses needed to put on this performance.

The Open World Dance Foundation is saving the lives of orphaned Russian children by teaching them how to dance.  While some of the children are finding that they have an innate gift and a talent they never knew they had, others are finding hope, purpose, and a joy for living that was missing before.  The purpose of the performance on April 21, 2012 is to raise funds and to broaden awareness of the work that we have accomplished so far in Russia.  Ultimately, we would like to pave the way for similar activity here
in the United States, perhaps eventually reaching more countries.

I hope this becomes a yearly event for those who believe in dreams and are ready to share them with others.  

Thank you!