Bangkok: When dreams are no longer out of reach... world-class performing arts are becoming a real-life classroom for Thai children. Bangkok Festivals continues to inspire through performing arts, launching masterclasses to provide Thai youth with opportunities to learn from world-class artists.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance and Music enters its 28th year of bringing world-class shows to Thailand. The festival's role extends beyond simply delivering joy and unique experiences to Thais; it also prioritizes creating opportunities for Thai youth to learn performing arts. This has been a continuous effort under the concept of opening doors for children and youth to have equal access to international experiences. Key activities include masterclasses, offering young people interested in performing arts-ballet, music, and dance-the chance to learn techniques and gain inspiration from world-class artists. Another important program is the Student Outreach Program (SOP), which aims to provide underprivileged children and youth, including those with disabilities, with free access to world-class performances and arts learning activities, broadening their horizons and creating new experiences that may inspire their future.
This year, the festival organized a Ballet Workshop by Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, providing a space for young people and those interested to learn ballet from artists of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus in a close-knit setting. Through this workshop, participants received instruction in techniques, experience, and concepts from artists with world-class stage experience.
Mr. Rasinar Uberoi Bajaj, Managing Director of International Cultural Promotion Co., Ltd., the organizer of Bangkok's 28th International Festival of Dance and Music, said, "For the past 28 years, we have been committed to bringing world-class performances to Thailand, so that Thais can experience the same as audiences around the world, without having to travel abroad. But what we are equally proud of is providing opportunities for Thai youth to learn directly from world-class artists through Master Class and Student Outreach Programs. We believe that art can inspire, open new perspectives, and may be the starting point of a future career for many children, whether they are already studying art or those who are experiencing the world of performance for the first time."
Igor Colm, representing the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus and a masterclass instructor, said: "It was very impressive that the festival's program wasn't just about performances, but also offered masterclass opportunities during our participation. I was delighted and honored to have over 30 Thai youths participate in the class. They were charming and impressive. It was a wonderful time for us to exchange experiences."
Bangkok's 28th International Festival of Dance and Music will be held from September 5th to October 17th, 2026 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. It will showcase world-class performances from various countries, including ballet, opera, contemporary dance, and diverse contemporary arts. The festival will continue its youth development projects alongside international arts presentations, aiming to be more than just a performance space; it will be a place of learning, inspiration, and opportunity for the next generation to experience world-class art.