Extending Support, Building Bridges – Partnering with ZHdK in Pointe Work and Dance Education
At the Yen Han Ballet Foundation, we believe that strengthening our mission means supporting others. By reaching beyond our own programming to contribute to broader cultural initiatives, we aim to build a dance community that is more connected, more sustainable, and more inclusive.
Our Foundation is committed to participating in cultural initiatives that extend beyond our own work — building bridges, sharing resources, and strengthening Switzerland’s role in the global arts community.
Elevating Zurich on the Global Stage
In October 2025, ZHdK will host the aDvANCE Conference, a prestigious international gathering of more than 50 ballet school directors and global experts in dance education. For three days, leaders in the field will exchange ideas, discuss evolving pedagogies, and explore the future of ballet and contemporary dance education.
The Yen Han Ballet Foundation is proud to co-host one of the evening events during this conference. Our participation highlights a shared commitment to educational excellence and international cultural exchange — and it is an honour to contribute to an event that brings global attention to Zurich as a center for dialogue, collaboration, and artistic leadership.
Supporting Pointe Work – Empowering Young Dancers at Tanz Akademie Zürich
We are proud to support Tanz Akademie Zürich (ZHdK) by providing pointe shoes for their students in preparation for one of the season’s upcoming pointe-based productions.
Pointe shoes are a core necessity in ballet, but they are also one of the most expensive and recurring costs for students and professionals alike. A dancer in a professional company may go through 40 to 80 pairs per year, while advanced students may need multiple pairs each month, depending on repertoire and rehearsal intensity.
By helping to cover this cost, we alleviate financial pressure and ensure that talented dancers can continue their training with the tools they need to thrive. It is a small but meaningful way we can contribute to equity, artistic growth, and access.
Did You Know? – Pointe Shoes Edition
- Pointe shoes are individually hand-crafted, often customized for each dancer
- One pair typically costs between CHF 80–130
- Advanced students may go through 1–3 pairs per month
- Professional dancers may use up to 80 pairs annually
- Preparing a pair involves sewing, breaking in, and adapting for foot safety
Supporting pointe work is not simply about supplying shoes — it’s about supporting discipline, artistry, and confidence from the ground up.
