Guest Faculty Members
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO BE SEEN AND TO TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
TRAIN WITH THE BEST!
Ekaterina Shchelkanova & Anton Boystov
Vaganova Ballet Academy, Soloists of Mariinsky & American Ballet Theatre Founders of the “Open World Dance Foundation”
Meet Our esteemed Guests Faculty members, from the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy, Mariinsky Theater & American Theater, Soloists & Experts in the authentic and accurate classical ballet curriculum. Through the international "Elite Program", they train and promote students for acceptance in the prestigious world ballet academies, as well for the world's top competitions, such as: YAGP, Prix de Lausanne, Varna International Ballet Competition and many others.
Ms. Ekaterina Shchelkanova & Mr. Anton Boystov are the founders and directors of Open World Dance Foundation, supported and mentored by Mr. Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Upon graduating the Vaganova Ballet Academy, Ms. Ekaterina Schchelkanova joined the Mariinsky Theatre as a soloist, where she danced a variety of leading roles in major classical ballets. Later, she was invited to join the American Ballet Theatre where she excelled in many principal roles from the classical ballet repertoire.
Her versatility, strong classical training and technical skill, allowed her to work closely with legendary Twyla Tharp, Sallie Wilson, John Neumeier, Frederik Franklin, and Mark Morris. Her amazing training and accurate classical line were noticed masters such as Gelsey Kikland, Natalia Makarova, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Furthermore, Ms. Ekaterina was held a position of Artistic Director at the Berlin Dance Festival. As a guest, Ms. Ekaterina taught classes at The National Ballet of Canada and ABT’s JKO School. She joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, as a ballet pedagogue and held the same position at Les Grands ballets Canadiens de Montreal.
Mr. Anton Boystov, after graduating from the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy, joined the Mariinsky Theater, where his great partner skills allowed stage partnership with stars, such as Ulyana Lopatkina, Altinai Asilmuratova, Olga Chenchikova and many others. He has a remarkable and strong training of Vaganova male techniques and virtuosity. His experience and deep knowledge in teaching a variety of classical ballet Vaganova male classes and pas de deux builds safe partnering, strength, and classical artistry. His experience and knowledge provided a incredible contribution to the preserved teaching of the original methodology of the Vaganova school.
Jae Keun Park
President of International Federation of Professional Dance Teachers (IFPDT), Vice President of Federation of International Ballet Competition FIBC, Artistic Director of Seoul Ballet Company, President & Founder of “World Ballet Grand Prix”
Prof. Dr. Jae Keun Park is a widely known ballet personality all over the world. For years he was a leading dancer in the Universal Ballet company in Korea and interpreted principal roles roles of classical repertoire ballets like “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “La Bayadere”, “La Sylphide”, “Don Quixote”and many others, as well as in contemporary, modern creations, performing in different countries all over the world.
His artistic career was followed by great experiences in teaching and choreography.
After assisting professors at the Ballet Academy in Moscow, he was invited as a professor and choreographer to the State Opera and Ballet Theatre in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
In 1986, Dr. Jae Keun Park, established and become founder of the Seoul Ballet Company, which presents ballet repertoire and modern creations in Korea and internationally.
In 2002-2003, he become member of the Korean Presidential Commission responsible for state cultural projects. He also contributed to the establish the Korea Teachers Association, which runs educational projects on large-scale in Korea and internationally.
At present he is President of the Korea Ballet Foundation, at same time, Chief Doctoral & Professor of Ballet Department of Sang Myung University, Director of the UNESCO International Dance Festival and Board Chairman of the WBGP and WDGP.
He as well is the Director of the Sang Myung Arts Center and Artistic Director of the Seoul Ballet Company.
He was awarded the Noble Dancer Title from the Korean Ministry of Culture and was the gold medal winner of the Dong-A Ballet Competition.
Leading currently different Ballet International Projects Dr. Jae Keun Park, is invited as special guest pedagogue and jury member for many Ballet Competitions all over the world, (Rome IBC, Nureyev IBC, Serge Lifar IBC, Perm IBC, America IBC, Korea IBC, Kiev BGP, Asia BGP, Almaty IBC, Istanbul IBC, Sopoleto IBC, Baltic IBC, Perm IBC, Astana IBC, Fouette IBC, Tallinn IBC, etc.) He is also Vice president of the Federation of International Ballet and Chairman of Asia FIBC.
In 2007, Dr. Jae Keun Park organized the First Korea International Ballet Competition, being a high-ranking international event that united dancers from all over the world.
In 2008, he created the “World Ballet Grand Prix”, one of the top international ballet competitions, with the goal of opening doors to a new dedicated generation of upcoming dancers and developing all of their artistic talents.
Simone Lolli
International Ballet Master of Youth Grand Prix (YGP), Artistic Director PID Rieti - Italy International World Ballet Competition , Manager So Dança Italy, International Judge & Ballet Master
Simone Lolli trained at the Ballet School of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma under the direction of Elisabetta Terabust.
Former Dancer of Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, National Classical Dance Company and Danza Prospettiva Company.
Artistic Director together with Mrs. Luna Ronchi of the PID – Premio Internazionale Danza Città di Rieti and Rieti Danza Estate, two of Italy’s most important dance competition.
He currently works as Ballet Master for Youth Grand Prix (YGP).
Guest artist, teacher, and consultant at numerous international festivals and events, including the "Festival Internacional de las Artes" in Valencia (Venezuela), Ticino in Danza (Switzerland), Kremlin Gala in Moscow, International Ballet Festival in Honor of Ekaterina Maximova at the Chelyabinsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre (Russia), Young Dancer Competition (Belgium) and others.
Sales Manager So Dança Italy, Malta and Repubblica di San Marino.
He is also an international guest teacher and artistic consultant, frequently invited to participate in juries, examinations, and major dance competitions around the world.
Luna Ronchi
Ambassador Youth Grand Prix (YGP), Artistic Director PID - Premio Internazionale Danza - Rieti, Italy, International ballet teacher, jury member and artistic consultant for prestigious international projects, F.I.S.T.D. Diploma, Cecchetti Faculty, London.
Gypsy Vile
President of the ARBTA (Association of Russian Ballet Theater and Arts) London, UK
Mrs. Gypsy Vile - President of the ARBTA (Association of Russian Ballet Theater and Arts) London, UK.
Abroad Examiner, Event Organizer and Head Judge for Global exams and competitions with ARBTA, UK.
With over three decades of teaching experience, the most passioned and strongest leader of the association as global dance community, her influence extends far beyond the confines of prestigious institutions, having educated through the program and exams of ARBTA, dancers from renowned schools and companies such as English National Ballet, Royal New Zeeland Ballet, The Australian Ballet, and others. Many dancers which took the exams with ARBTA have been winners of prestigious international dance competitions as Prix de Lausanne, YAGP, and others.
Mrs. Gypsy Vile, holds international exams, accredited & affiliated by the Board Dance Qualification, UK, as for all levels and dancers willing to expand internationally and builds a strong foundation and technical development. As well through the association she is proud to organize and host international educational, guest workshops and performances opportunities. She named, Mrs. Mihaela Dinica as a representative of ARBTA UK, in the countries: Romania, Norway and All SABIS Schools, as holding and hosting exams, seminars and performances internationally. This will lead with a lot of programs opportunities in Europe & internationally, to all dancers and teachers.
Tamara Jane Vile
Head of Education and Training at the Association of Russian Ballet and Theatre Arts, London, UK. Examiner & Judge. BA (Hons), PgDip, LL.B, CDE, FARBTA, AISTD
Ms. Tamara Jane Vile is Head of Education and Training at the Association of Russian Ballet and Theatre Arts, London, UK.
Tamara studied at the Central School of Ballet, London Contemporary Dance School, UEA and the University of Law. She has danced and choreographed professionally, but her true passion remains in progressing dance education globally.
With 30 years of teaching experience, Tamara has taught in both grassroots and vocational schools as well as formulating programmes of studies and specifications that have benefited students from beginner to professional levels.
Tamara is also an executive examiner and global mentor for both student and experienced teachers, delivering seminars, intensives and lectures covering all aspects of dance pedagogy.
Attila Bordás
Choreographer, performer, educator, and artistic director, manager of the CAMP - Contemporary Artistic Movement Platform
Mr. Attila Bordás - Choreographer, performer, educator, and artistic director, manager.
He is the founder, curator, and artistic director of the CAMP – Contemporary Artistic Movement Platform international movement platform, which since 2017 has lunched 9 international contemporary dance festivals and implemented 30 cultural projects, engaging more than 1,200 artists and emerging artists from around the world.
His practical work is multidisciplinary. He has worked in almost all major theaters in Romania as a choreographer, director, trainer, dancer and actor. He has acted also in films. He leads professional workshops at various dance and theater institutions. He has worked as guest teacher at theater and film universities in Cluj-Napoca, Târgu Mureș, Iași, and Bucharest, and has also carried out choreographic and pedagogical activities at the dance academies in Bucharest and Budapest.
His artistic activity has extended to countries and cities such as Hungary, Czech Republic, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Greece and New York.
He has gained practical experience in fields such as theater directing, choreography, film, acting, pedagogy, opera, rock opera, musical theater, open-air theater, music theater, equestrian theater, contact improvisation, ballet, folk dance, contemporary dance, dance theater, physical theater, performance art, organize flash mobs, event management (manager and program director of cultural and music festivals, international professional camps).
His theatrical creation The Same Day in My Life, received awards in Albania and Kosovo in 2014. In 2015, he was awarded a two-year scholarship for young directors by the National Theater of Budapest. In 2019, he received UNACOR's award for developing the independent choreography sector in Romania. In 2020, he was granted the Communitas creative scholarship in the category of theater arts. In addition, he has been a member of creative teams behind numerous theatrical productions that received UNITER and also other prestigious artistic awards.
Alina Mariana Mogoș
International gymnastics & acrobatics coach Co- founder of Perfect 10 Gymnastics Center from Doha, judge and event organizer
Cosma Levi Lennon
Elite International Judge Expert. Hip-Hop Expert, HHI Elite Jury License. Head project of “The Wings Of Community” international platform & “The art of Judge”
A reference figure in the Romanian and international choreographic landscape, Cosma Levi Lennon combines academic rigor with professionalism in urban culture.
A graduate of the National University of Theatre and Cinematography "I.L. Caragiale" (UNATC), Cosma Levi Lennon has consolidated his professional status through a multidisciplinary career, working as a performer, choreographer, event organizer and teacher. His expertise is validated by an impressive track record of national and international titles, obtained both as a competitor and as a mentor to new generations of dancers.
His global recognition reaches the highest level in the area of refereeing. Cosma Levi Lennon holds the unique distinction of being the only representative of Romania invited consecutively, for seven years, to be part of the expert panel at the World Hip Hop Championships (hosted in Las Vegas, San Diego and Phoenix). Furthermore, he is among the first five specialists worldwide to have obtained the Hip Hop International (HHI) Elite Jury License, a certification that attests to a deep knowledge of global technical and performance regulations and standards.
Currently, beyond his judging activity and supporting specialized workshops, he channels his experience towards the development of the artistic community. Through the project "The Wings Of Community", he coordinates initiatives aimed at providing education, platforms for expression and support for the evolution of dance in Romania.
Diana Octavia Popovici
International Ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer & head coordinator of SABIS competitions & festivals in Dubai
Mrs. Diana Octavia Popovici comes from a family of artists, with Romanian and Ukrainian roots.
Born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, she began her classical ballet training in 1984 at the National School of Choreography and Dramatic Art in Cluj-Napoca. She graduated the Ballet School in the summer of 1993, earning her Ballet Diploma with the highest mark - 10 out of 10. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was invited to join the Slovenian National Theatre in Maribor, where she had the opportunity to train and work together with the renowned Kirov Ballet star, Kaleria Fedicheva. Her repertoire at the Slovenian National Theatre included both solo and ensemble roles in productions such as The Nutcracker, The Four Seasons and The Dance Lesson, among others. In The Four Seasons (Autumn), she performed with Edward Clug, the internationally acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director of Maribor Ballet.
In the summer of 1994, she returned to Romania and joined the National Opera of Cluj-Napoca, where she performed both as a “corps de ballet” member and as a soloist. Her repertoire included Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Esmeralda, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Scheherazade, Carmen, Peer Gynt, The Miraculous Mandarin, Carmina Burana, Bolero, Chopin and The Dance Celebration. During this time, she toured internationally to countries such as Italy, Germany and France. Additionally, she trained and performed in Swan Lake with Won Kuk Lee, the famous star of the Korea National Ballet.
Between 2000 and 2003, alongside her performing career, she was a ballet teacher at the National School of Choreography and Dramatic Art in Cluj-Napoca, the same school from which she had graduated back in 1993. She taught classical ballet as well as classical and contemporary repertoire to primary and high school students, and prepare them for the National Ballet Competitions.
In February 2004, she relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she began an international teaching career, spanning over 20 years. There, she has introduced countless children to the art of ballet, nurturing their technique, artistry and confidence, and preparing them for stage performances. She has also organized, hosted and judged Regional Ballet Competitions, as well as choreographed and prepared students for Regional Ballet Festivals and Ballet Shows.
Bellu Constantin
Master of acrobatics, international expert artist circus acrobat, international judge
With a prodigious career full of passion and stage experience of over 40 years, Bellu Constantin is an emblematic figure in the world of performing arts. Master of acrobatics on the ground and at height, starting from childhood through performance sports or by exploring sports dance and breakdance, elements that he later integrated with movement balance in complex stage demonstrations.
Throughout his artistic career, the movements and charm that he always expressed, had potential with the combination of comedy and not only, it noted him both in the country and abroad with a special track record on the biggest stages of the world.
Participation in FESTIVALS
- 1985 Paris Youth Festival "Cirque de Demain" special acrobatic prize
- 2000 Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, edit. 24two special awards, acrobatic
- 2006 International Festival D’Dax in France D’Dax award, acrobatic
- 2014 Circus Festival Grenoble France Samse award
- 2015 International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, 39th edition two special awards
- 2017 International Festival of Bucharest, bronze award,
-2018 International Festival du Cirque Avergne Rhone Alpes France Samse award
- 2019 International Circus Festival China Wuqiao, Grand Excellent Performance award.
The stage name Costinpity was also well known on the big TV screens, which fascinated with his special expressiveness, always leaving a feeling of emotion and deep suspense.
International TV Show
- TV Show “Ta Te Ti” Argentina 1985
- TV Show “Das Super Talent” Germany 2011
- TV Show “Patrick Sebastian” France 2013
- TV Show “iUmor” Romania 2016
- TV Show “Immer Wieder Sonntag“ Germany 2017
- TV Show “Romanii Au Talent” Romania 2020
- TV Show “Ti Si Que Vales” Italy 2021
- TV Show “Destinies like in movies”
- TV Show “iUmor” Romania 2023
- TV Show “Caracol” Colombia 2023
- TV Show “Stars In Der Manege” Circus Krone Germany 2023
- TV Show “The Ticket” Romania 2025
As a juror at this gala, this competition places value on the safety of execution, impeccable technique or the difficulty of the elements and the way of presentation in which the competitors express themselves in movements and dance, which gives the explosion the show.
Vlad Toader
Soloist of Bucharest Opera House, Awarded Cultural Merit with the rank of Knight. Guest soloist of National Opera in Tallinn, the National Opera in Skopje, Macedonia
Mr. Vlad Toader graduated from the Choreography High School in Bucharest, class of 1991.
He became the first soloist of the National Opera in Bucharest in 1992.
Then he became a graduate of the "I. L. Caragiale" University of Theater and Cinematography in Bucharest, in 2007.
In 2001-2003 he was permanently invited to dance on the stage of the Opera in Skopje, Macedonia, also he is a permanent guest of the Romanian National Opera in Iasi.
In 2004 he was awarded the Cultural Merit with the rank of Knight.
Since 2023 he has been a permanent collaborator at the Romanian National Opera in Iasi where he prepares the company's ballerinas for performances.
In November 2025 he was an assistant choreographer for the show Spartacus at the Romanian National Opera in Iasi.
Since 2024 he has also collaborated with the "Maria Biesu" Opera and Ballet Theater in Chisinau.
He collaborated with the Romanian Opera in Timisoara, the Romanian Opera in Brasov, the National Opera in Tallinn, the National Opera in Skopje, Macedonia.
He toured in: France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Australia, USA, Macedonia.