Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are delighted to share with you the highlights and exciting developments from the Yen Han Ballet Foundation as we move into a new chapter following our official inauguration this spring.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Our Inauguration Gala was a resounding success, filled with artistry, emotion, and meaningful encounters. We were deeply moved by the support of so many friends, donors, artists, and young dancers who helped bring our vision to life. This special evening marked not only the formal beginning of our Foundation but also reaffirmed our commitment to building a new model of ballet education—one rooted in excellence, inclusion, and human connection.
Looking Ahead: Season 2025/2026
We are now fully immersed in planning for our 2025/2026 season, which includes a diverse and impactful set of initiatives:
Outreach Program with the Kantonsschule Zürich
We are preparing for an exciting meeting next week with the Kantonsschule Zürich to explore the development of a new outreach program. Our goal is to bring movement and ballet education directly into the school environment—making dance more accessible to young people and nurturing creativity alongside academic learning. We look forward to sharing more details as the collaboration takes shape.
The Nutcracker at the ZKO
Mark your calendars! Our Foundation will stage a festive and family-friendly production of The Nutcracker at the ZKO-Haus on November 21, 22, and 23, 2025. Featuring young talents alongside guest artists, this production will be a magical celebration of music and movement—an annual tradition we hope to grow.
Supporting ZHdK’s Allegro Brilliante
We are proud to support the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) in their staging of George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante. The Foundation will provide pointe shoes for all participating female students, helping young dancers perform with safety, confidence, and artistry.
ADvANCE Conference – A Global Dance Education Forum
This October, Zurich will host the aDvANCE Conference—an international gathering of over 50 ballet school directors from around the world. The Foundation is honored to co-host one of the evening events, providing a platform for global exchange and collaboration on the future of dance education.
These projects reflect our core mission: to uplift dancers of all ages and backgrounds, support collaboration across disciplines, and engage meaningfully with the cultural and educational fabric of Switzerland and beyond.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your support makes it all possible.
With warmest regards,
Yen Han
Founder & Artistic Director
Yen Han Ballet Foundation
