In 2000, Russian dancers Vladimir Bogatyryov and Galina Kravchenko founded the Bolshoi Ballet School in the Brazilian city of Joinville. Here, Russian instructors teach children from across Brazil. For youngsters from underprivileged families, the training is free, with the school also providing accommodation, meals, and medical care. The project aims to give children a profession and the chance to transform their lives through art.
This is precisely what happened with Luis Fernando. He grew up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where young people often turn to crime, violence, and drugs. Luis, however, chose dance. He took classes in various studios and at the school named after Maria Olenyova, the prima ballerina of the great Anna Pavlova's troupe. After being accepted into the Bolshoi Theatre School, Luis moved to Joinville and devoted himself entirely to ballet.
He shared his story in our film ‘Bolshoi: Pas-de-Brazil’ six years ago. The documentary then played a significant role in the young man's artistic journey. After a choreographer from Denmark saw the film, Luis was invited for an internship and later offered a job. The next step in his career was a contract with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York.
His story, and those of other graduates from the Bolshoi's only school abroad, are featured in our new film.
