What we do?

The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet is committed to building up an institution with a strong foundation and sound financials. With the support of sponsors and patrons, the organisation's vision of helping under-privileged children shape their future and laying the foundation for western dance in India will be strengthened and sustained.

The Lewis Foundation provides free training for both under-privileged children as well as children with exceptional talent, in the field of classical ballet, with the ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet syllabus. Regular jazz, pilates and yoga sessions give the students a wide exposure to other styles of western dance and also condition their bodies. Yana draws upon her immense and diverse experience to devise classes catering to specific age groups with focus on technique, creativity, appreciation, fun and total involvement. These classes also invite the students to use dance as a medium of self-expression, as well as for energy and emotional release.

Classical ballet is a physically and mentally demanding art which cannot be learnt without regular intensive training and practice, at an advanced level. At this point of time, such training is not available in India. In order to raise the standard of western dance in India, therefore, the Lewis Foundation is working towards sending talented dancers for full-time training at vocational schools abroad. Selected dancers undergo free training from the Foundation, through the numerous grades of the ISTD syllabus till they are actually ready to audition for dance schools abroad. They also receive assistance with visa applications and other formalities.

Career counselling forms part of the overall training programme for potential performers, as it is not sufficient merely to strive towards perfection, but also hone the skills that are required to progress in the face of stiff international competition.

The Lewis Foundation regularly conducts workshops, performances and fund-raisers - locally and nationally - to spread awareness of classical ballet and the importance of proper technique in western dance. Special performances in orphanages and for charitable organisations showcase classical ballet, jazz and national dancing to inspire children and youth. Workshops for under-privileged children are conducted as part of the children's outreach programme, using dance as a medium of self-expression and development.