Exams & Events

BALLET STAR LORENA BARICALLA SUPPORTS THE YOUNG DANCERS ANS BALLET SCHOOLS

THE EVENT of the INTERNATIONAL BALLET EXAMS of the “LORENA BARICALLA MONTE-CARLO RUSSIAN METHOD”

The 2019 Event of the International Ballet Exams of the “Méthode Russe de Monte-Carlo de Lorena Baricalla” (“Lorena Baricalla Monte-Carlo Russian Method”) took place in Monaco on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April in the prestigious Espace Léo Ferré, in the presence of leading figures from the world of dance, art and culture. 
This 4th Edition has been created in association with the Association Monegasque Inspiration Enfance A.M.I.E of Monaco and has been produced by PromoArt Montecarlo Production, which was also the Main Sponsor of the event.

The “Méthode Russe de Monte-Carlo de Lorena Baricalla” – “The Lorena Baricalla Monte Carlo Russian Method”, is the result of the artistic and pedagogic experience of the international ballet star and choreographer Lorena Baricalla. It follows the Russian tradition which developed in Monte Carlo in the early 1900s, with the creation of Diaghilev’s Russian Ballets.
Monaco born, Lorena Baricalla received her diploma with top marks at the “Princess Grace” Academy in Monte Carlo with Russian Master Marika Besobrasova.  She danced the leading roles at the Monte Carlo Ballet - from “The Prodigal Son” by Balanchine, to “Marco Spada” with Rudolf Nureyev - and from there has made an international career spanning 35 countries around the world. Parallel to her career as a performer, produced by PromoArt Montecarlo Production,Lorena Baricalla has created the “Method” to support young dancers and ballet schools.

“The Method” does not simply represent a selection of Ballet’s rules. It is first and foremost a vision.
The innovative idea distinguishing the “Method” is that of having created a “Global Academy” furnishing to the Affiliated Schools an Academic Training Programme based on international criteria. 
The “Method” can carry the pupil to a professional level or to a top quality amateur level.
It is a unique evaluation system which allows for the pupil’s positioning in the international panorama of ballet according to 14 levels of study.
Moreover the “Method” is based on a body-mind-soul Full Development Training of the athlete-artist, useful to the emotional balance and the well-being of each one.

As a moment of comparison and interaction among the pupils coming from different countries and cities, the Event of  the Exams has an educational and pedagogic goal and it aims at conveying to the young dancers the values of art, of culture and of dance – the symbol of stamina and discipline – through positive examples.  
A selection of numerous candidates from the currently Affiliated Schools to the Method in France, Monaco and Italy have participated at the 2019 Exams.
Created less than 3 years ago the “Method” is spreading out and the last Affiliated School is based in New Caledonia.
Master Classes with ballet star Lorena Baricalla and the young dancers have taken place on the first day (13 April) while the second day (14 April) has been dedicated to the International Exams of the “Method” followed by a short show with all the participants. The ballet classes on Saturday and Sunday have been accompanied live at the piano by Imelda Cartwright, pianist at the Monte-Carlo Ballet.

The Jury of the “Method” is always composed of ballet stars: this year with prima ballerina Lorena Baricalla there was Daniel Agesilas, principal dancer at the Russillo Ballet, her partner in the “Taming of the Shrew” created by Joseph Russillo at the Monte-Carlo Ballet. Agesilas has also directed for 12 year the Conservatoire National de la Danse in Paris. We also had the attendance of the Scala of Milan’s principal dancer Anna Razzi, who also directed the San Carlo Theatre Ballet School in Naples for 15years.
Only Juries of Stars has always been the choice: in 2016 with Lorena Baricalla we had Marco Pierin, principal dancer at the Scala of Milan and Randy Diamond, principal dancer at the Stuttgart Ballet. Both have been her dancing partners. In 2017 Eric Vu An, principal dancer at the Paris Opera, who was her partner at the Monte-Carlo Ballet in “Scheherazade”, and prima ballerina Luciana Savignano of the Scala of Milan.
In 2018 she has been joined on the Jury by principal dancer Jozef Varga, who is performing at the Het National Ballet and who danced in the past in the choreographies of Lorena Baricalla for the shows produced by PromoArt Monte-Carlo; and the principal dancer and choreographer Toni Candeloro, guest in international companies such as the Cuba Ballet and a specialist of Ballet Russes repertoire.

The 2019 Event has been supported by Azimut Yacht France as Gold Supporting Partner and by the Benefactor Partners BMP Study & Consulting Lugano of Gabriele Moleti and the fashion brand Nordic Angel by Marketa Hakkinen. It also benefited of the support of Fil Rouge BMG Prod.
Benefactor Sponsors were the Associazione Musicale Pergolesi of Adriana Costa in Vallecrosia (Italy), Boss Security Monaco and Bio Style Milano of Patrizia Ravelli.
Emotion packed moments filled the presentation of the scholarships for the Summer Workshop that have been granted to deserving young dancers of the Affiliated Schoolsby:  MC Construction of Luciano Garzelli, MBRart Monaco of Rebecca Ballestra, the Escale Musicale Restaurant Live Music in Menton of Martial Benhamou and Jean-Pierre Torres, the Real Estate Agency Grand Palais in Menton of Sébastien Loffredo, the Hotel de Londres in Menton and by PromoArt Montecarlo Production.

We had the attendance of Daniel Boeri, President of the Culture Commission of Monaco and His Excellency Cristiano Gallo, Italian Ambassador in the Principality of Monaco.
An Honorary Committee has attended, made up of international artists and well-known figures: with Alexandra Myasnikova, President of the Association Monegasque Inspiration Enfance A.M.I.E. of Monaco and Sebastian Von Bulow, Vice-President, we had the fashion designer Raquel Balencia, brand Milano based who dressed Lorena Baricalla in this occasion; Rebecca Ballestra, visual artist, founder of MBRART Monaco and of the « Festival for the Earth Project », who is engaged in the creation of projects for the social transformation ; Flavia Cannata, Fashion Art Ceo, founder of Always Support Talent and Co-founder of Carredor Monaco ; from the construction sector Luciano Garzelli represented by his son Stefano, Ceo of MC Construction ; from the music world the agent Martial Benhamou of BMG Prod. ; from the real estate and tourism sectors of Menton, France : Sébastien Loffredo, owner of the Real Estate Agency Grand Palais and Nicole Claisse, Director of the Hotel de Londres ; and the pianist of the Monte-Carlo Ballett Imelda Cartwright.

In addition, on the Saturday, the young dancers have taken part in “Meetings with the Artists” that have been organized with the pianist Imelda Cartwright on how to accompany ballet and Saverio Chiappalone about Photography and Art.
Alexandra Myasnikova, President of the Association A.M.I.E Monaco talked about “Learning the Compassion – help to the other children».

Moreover the 2-days have bene animated by Pacy, the Mascotte of the Association. Pacy also filled the stage with colored balloons for the grande finale with all the children and young people. A moment of joy sharing the passion for dance!

BALLET, ART, FASHION AND CULTURE in MONTE-CARLO

THE EVENT of the INTERNATIONAL BALLET EXAMS of the “LORENA BARICALLA MONTE-CARLO RUSSIAN METHOD”

The 2018 Event of the International Ballet Exams of the “Méthode Russe de Monte-Carlo de Lorena Baricalla” (“Lorena Baricalla Monte-Carlo Russian Method”) has taken place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April in the prestigious Auditorium Prince Rainier III of Monaco, home of the Philharmonic Orchestra, in the presence of leading figures from the world of dance, art and culture. The event was created in association with the Russian Cultural Centre of Monaco and was organized by PromoArt Montecarlo Production. It benefited of the support of the Monaco Government Tourism Direction. Radio Monte Carlo was media partner of the event.

The “Méthode Russe de Monte-Carlo de Lorena Baricalla” – “The Lorena Baricalla Monte Carlo Russian Method”, is the result of the artistic and pedagogic experience of the international ballet star and choreographer Lorena Baricalla. It follows the Russian tradition which developed in Monte Carlo in the early 1900s, with the creation of Diaghilev’s Russian Ballets.

Monaco born, Lorena Baricalla received her diploma with top marks at the “Princess Grace” Academy in Monte Carlo with Russian Master Marika Besobrasova, with whom she continued to work after graduation. She danced the leading roles at the Monte Carlo Ballet (from  “Scheherazade” with Eric Vu An,  “Marco Spada” with Rudolf Nureyev,  to “The Prodigal Son” by Balanchine and “The Two Pigeons” with Frédéric Olivieri) and from there has made an international career spanning 35 countries around the world. Parallel to her career as a performer, Lorena Baricalla has built on her knowledge of ballet in order to fine-tune her own teaching method.

The “Method” supports young dancers and ballet schools. It offers a unique evaluation system which allows for each pupil’s positioning in the international panorama of ballet according to its 14 levels of study.

The innovative idea distinguishing the "Method" is that of having created what can be described as a "global academy" and giving all schools the opportunity of accessing an academic program based on international criteria. This develops through the master classes during the year and the yearly exams.

A selection of over 100 candidates from the 11 schools currently affiliated to the Method in Italy and France have participated at the event. Master Classes with ballet star Lorena Baricalla and the young dancers took place on the first day (21 April) while the second day (22 April) has been dedicated to the International Exams of the “Method” followed by a short show with all the participants. The ballet classes on Saturday and Sunday have been accompanied at the piano by Patricia Krawczynska and Imelda Cartwright, pianists of the Ballets of Monte-Carlo.

As a moment of meeting and artistic exchange, the event aims at conveying to the young dancers the values of art, of culture and of dance – the symbol of stamina and discipline – through positive examples. The event is an opportunity for comparison and interaction among the pupils coming from Affiliated Schools in diverse countries and cities.

Eleven scholarships, have been granted to deserving young dancers of the Affiliated Schools for the “Method” Workshop in July by: PromoArt Montecarlo Production, Fil Rouge BMG Prod, CTNT Canovas, Opportunity social network, Mesdames Laetitia Duviviez, Doune Roux and Marketa Hakkinen, the Russian Cultural Center of Monaco. Renowned brand Freed of London offered the first pair of point shoes to a little ballerina.

The Juries of the “Method” are always composed of ballet stars. Therefore, in 2016 with prima ballerina Lorena Baricalla we had Marco Pierin, principal dancer at the Scala di Milano and Randy Diamond, principal dancer at the Stuttgart Ballet. Both have been her dancing partners. In 2017 Eric Vu An, principal dancer at the Paris Opera, who was her partner at the Monte-Carlo Ballet in “Scheherazade”, and prima ballerina Luciana Savignano of the Scala di Milano. This year she will be joined on the Jury by principal dancer Jozef Varga, who is now performing in classical roles such as “Sleeping Beauty” and “Giselle” and in the modern repertoire at the Het National Ballet for the shows produced by PromoArt Monte-Carlo; and the principal dancer and choreographer Toni Candeloro, guest in international companies such as the Cuba Ballet and the Zurich Opera, partner of C. Fracci, L. Savignano and A. Ferri. As well, Candeloro is a specialist of Ballet Russes repertoire and he owns one of the most important ballet-related collections that has been exhibited at the Russian Art Museum in Saint Petersburg, at the Venice Museum, at the Scala of Milano Museum, etc. Candeloro is also Artistic Director of the “Mikhail Fokine Association”.

We had the attendance of Natalia Bereza, President of the Russian Cultural Centre in Monaco and representative at this event of Her Excellency Ekaterina Semenikhina, the Honorary Russian Consul in the Principality, Alisson Irien de Augustinis, General Secretary of the Russian Cultural Centre in Monaco and His Excellency Cristiano Gallo, Italian Ambassador in the Principality of Monaco.

An Honorary Committee attended, made up of international artists and well-known figures: Marcos Marin, artist of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; Serge Liagre, Founder of the “Villa Rosemaine” Haute Couture Vintage Collection; Marketa Hakkinen, fashion designer who has participated in the recent Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and who is the wife of the Formula1 racing driver Mikka Hakkinen; artistic agent Martial Benhamou; Fashion PR Francesca Fortini from Milano; painter Doune Roux, from Paris, wife of French singer Corbier; painter Laetitia Duviviez, from Monaco; Krissy Pesciglione-Cuni, CEO of Opportunity, the Principality of Monaco’s social network.

In the Bicentennial of his birth (1818-2018) a tribute has been made on stage to choreographer Marius Petipa, creator of the ballets of the Russian repertoire such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker. It was in fact Diaghilev, patron of the Ballets Russes of Monte Carlo, who invited Petipa to Europe, thus making his ballets well known. Toni Candeloro is the promotor of this tribute which began in January at the National Conservatory of Dance in Paris. In March it was at the Vaganova School in Saint Petersburg and at the University of Rome before coming to this Monegasque stage.

As a cultural encounter, the event also includes the exhibition over two days (21 and 22 April) of works of art and historic material:

• “The great Russian artists … from Tchaikovsky to Nijinsky” painting and sculptures by the Brazilian artist Marcos Marin. Portraits. These works were exhibited two years ago at “Manège” at the Kremlin in Moscow and later at the Alexander Burganov Museum in Moscow. (Burganov and Marin are both artists sponsored by the Pierre Cardin Foundation.) “Diaghilev and Petipa … an exceptional bond” with historic pieces from the ballet star Toni Candeloro’s private collection, previously exhibited in Saint Petersburg.
• “Portrait of prima ballerina Lorena Baricalla in Carmen and other paintings” by Paris-based artist Doune Roux.
• “Views of Monte Carlo and other paintings” by Monaco artist Laetitia Duviviez.
• “Yves Saint Laurent, master of Haute Couture,” with garments from the “Villa Rosemaine - Haute Couture Vintage” Collection by Serge Liagre. The theatre and fashion have always been firmly linked, and Saint Laurent was a close friend of the choreographer Roland Petit (for whom Liagre was his right hand) and the prima ballerina Zizi Jeanmaire, creating costumes for their shows, as did Hervé Leger and Gianni Versace. The Collection consists of costumes from the 18^th and 19^th centuries and Haute Couture garments by Dior, Balmain, Fath, Grès, etc, and has previously been exhibited in New York, Paris …

In addition, on the Saturday, the young ballerinas took part in “Meeting with the Artists” that have been organized with Marcos Marin and Laetitia Duviviez on the theme of Art, and with Francesca Fortini on fashion today and the bond between theatre and the great fashion designers.

An invitation-only “Cocktail” has been offered by Marcos Marin.

The "Méthode Russe de Monte-Carlo by Lorena Baricalla" International Examinations of Classic Ballet took place on 24 April 2017 at the Theatre des Variétés in Monte-Carlo (preceded by a workshop on 22 and 23 April), in the presence of celebrities from the circles of dance, art and culture. The event was organised by PromoArt Montecarlo Production.

A selection of over 100 candidates from the 10 schools currently affiliated to the Method participated at the event.

With Lorena Baricalla on the judging panel were her emeritus colleagues: Eric Vu An, ballet star of the Opera of Paris - he was her partner at the Monte Carlo Ballet’s "Sheherazade", performed for the Prince of Monaco’s National Day and is now Director of the Ballet the Opera of Nice; and Luciana Savignano, ballet star of the Scala of Milano and iconic performer of Bejart.

Also present were His Excellency Cristiano Gallo, Italian Ambassador in the Principality of Monaco, and Alisson Irien de Augustinis representative at this event of Her Excellency Ekaterina Seminikhina, the Honorary Russian Consul in the Principality and Natalia Bereza, President of the Russian Cultural Centre in Monaco.

An honorary committee was present, made up of international performers and figures from the theatre and from communication: the baritone Armando Ariostini; the soprano Valeria Esposito; the sculptor, painter and concert pianist Marcos Marin which operates also for the Prince Albert Foundation; the artistic agent Martial Benhamou; the fashion designer Genesia Walle, and Krissy Presciglione-Cuni, owner of Opportunity, the new social network of the Principality of Monaco.

Radio Monte Carlo was an event partner. Consequently, Maurizio Di Maggio, a well-known broadcasting announcer, presented the institutional part of the event.

"Career Prizes" were awarded to the ballet stars Lorena Baricalla, Luciana Savignano and Eric Vu An by the National Italian Libertas Authority.

Ten scholarships, one for each affiliated school, were granted to deserving young people by PromoArt Montecarlo Production, Freed of London (the most important point shoes brand in the world), Fil Rouge BMG Prod, CTNT Isuzu and Opportunity for the Method Workshop in July. Freed Scholarship have been given to the 13yrs old Sofia Donisi of the Academy of Savona.

Marcos Marin’s portrait of Rudolf Nureyev, with whom Lorena Baricalla danced at the beginning of her career, was exhibited during the event.

Luciana Savignano presented "L’eleganza interiore" (Inner Elegance), her biography by Emanuele Burrafato.

The event ended with an evening of honour at the prestigious Crem of Monaco which hosted the stars of the judging panel and the Committee members.