Ballet Through Borders 2024

In 2024, Ballet Through Borders experienced meaningful growth, both in participation and community recognition. The program expanded to 20 dancers for its week-long ballet camp in South Africa, reflecting increasing interest from families and the community, with inquiries about the program beginning months in advance.

Throughout the week, dancers trained daily and prepared for a final performance. Each participant received essential ballet supplies along with a custom floral skirt made by a local seamstress, continuing a special tradition.

The princess theme for 2024 was Cinderella, inspiring a lively and imaginative performance. The dancers took on the roles of mice, pumpkins, butterflies, and dragonflies, bringing energy and storytelling to the stage. Costumes were once again a collaborative effort—borrowed from June Taylor School of Dance in Oregon, USA and Francien de Kock Dance School in South Africa, alongside handmade additions created throughout the week.

Community support reached a new high in 2024. Through our annual South African cultural night and the generosity of our supporters, Ballet Through Borders raised over $3,000—our most successful fundraising year to date, growing significantly from the previous year.

Founder Amandia Scotti was nominated for the Service Above Self Educational Excellence (SASEE) Award for the second year in a row and was honored as the award recipient—an important milestone that recognized the impact and growth of the program. Ballet Through Borders was also featured in the Lake Oswego Review, further expanding awareness of its mission.

Beyond the camp, Ballet Through Borders expanded its yearlong scholarship program, sponsoring five dancers for continued ballet training. Two returning scholarship students successfully completed their ballet exams, marking an important milestone in their development.