Dance Development

One of the stated objectives of the Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet is to promote the development of western dance in India. This can best be achieved through the establishment of a strong professional base of dance teachers. These teachers can then conduct workshops all over the country, to inculcate awareness of traditional, classical and modern ballet. The more dancers that are trained in the correct technique and artistry of classical ballet, the larger the spread of correct use of technique and teaching - raising the standard of classical ballet and other western dance forms in India to an international level. This would be far better than occasional visits by foreign classical ballet dancers and teachers - the foundations for correct practice need to be infused into the dance culture of western dance in India. The dance teachers would also contribute towards the Foundation's goal of giving under-privileged children the chance to experience dance as a medium for self-expression and personal development. To enable Indian dance students to experience classical ballet, and for them to have the opportunity to audition for vocational dance schools abroad to receive full-time dance training, the Foundation is currently offering free initial training for selected students, and assistance to audition and enrol at dance schools abroad. This includes studying the grade work and vocational grades of the Imperial Classical Ballet syllabus of the ISTD, and for selected students, the possibility to train and perform with the Yana Lewis Dance Company. When, and if, students return to India after vocational training and a possible performing career, they will have the opportunity to help lay the foundation of classical ballet in India by performing and teaching nationally in India.

Open workshops within the dance community are designed to give Indian dancers a wider and more accurate perspective of classical ballet. These workshops also work to develop alignment and muscle tone, performance skills, and dance repertoire. Classical ballet also offers students, teachers and performers of Indian classical dance a different style of dance to augment their training. Posture, alignment and correct muscle use are all fundamental characteristics of classical ballet, and are taught as part of syllabus work from an early age. This is essential in achieving the correct technique, in injury prevention, and in forming lean, well-developed muscles. These aspects can be applied to Indian classical dance and help enhance body control and elongate a performance career.