European Collaboration Stora Daldansen/Grasse

Since 2003 Stora Daldansen has cooperated with the Grasse International Ballet Competition in France. Both are working to establish common European Finals. The dancers who partake in the competitions must have training from the National Ballet School of the country they represent. The national stage in every country is responsible for the selection of competitors. The connection between Stora Daldansen in Sweden and Grasse International Ballet Competition in France is a unique opportunity to compare the northern dance heritage in Europe to the southern heritage. Since 2010 Stora Daldansen is located in Falun, Sweden. The prize winners in Falun are qualified to compete in Grasse where they also are able to join master classes together with other young European dancers.

Partners involved

The City of Grasse, France The Municipality of Falun, Sweden Stora Daldansen, Sweden The Royal Swedish Ballet School The Norwegian Opera Ballet (Ballet School) Finnish National Opera Ballet School The Icelandic Ballet School Tallinn Ballet School, Estonia Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet theatre (Ballet School) Le Jeune Ballet Méditerranéen, France Dance in Dalarna, Sweden www.dansidalarna.se

Objectives

To give young people the possibility to rehearse and perform the classical roles that are normally reserved for soloists
To protect, disseminate and develop the common cultural heritage of dance, music and costume creation in Europe
To emphasize the cross-border mobility and employability of young dancers
To stimulate cultural exchange among Europe´s youth
To give the audience in non-urban areas the possibility to see young dancers aspiring towards a professional career.

Anticipated results

The dancers and their teachers will have the possibility to compare their experiences with others and they will also be able to start networks in Europe. The rich heritage of classical dance is interpreted in different ways, partly because of educational differences but also because there are different views of the original style. The competitors can present choreographies that are not shown in the ordinary repertoire. The aim is also to facilitate several schools to take part in competitions and be united in common seminars, such as summer courses.

Approach and methods adopted for the implementation

The project leaders and coordinators in Falun and Grasse are responsible for an ongoing communication. They will also arrange meetings. There will be evaluations dealing with the application system, the selection routine, the travel arrangements and the organization.

The location and relevant dates of activities

One dance week will be arranged in the Falun, Sweden in the spring and one week in October/November in Grasse, France.