Supporting the Makkai Classical Ballet & Dance School

Fundraiser for the Makkai Classical Ballet & Dance School

One of the most heart-warming parts of my job is seeing young dancers wear my Russian Pointe® shoes and watch as they transform into beautiful, accomplished ballerinas. That’s why I was honored and humbled to meet so many students at the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet & Dance School in Highland Park who wear Russian Pointe® shoes.

Irina Makkai, who owns the school along with her daughter, Lilla, has been a long-time fan of Russian Pointe®, and today, she says almost all of her students wear the Russian Pointe® brand.

I met Irina’s students on Feb. 22, when I attended “Raising the Barre,” the Makkai school’s first annual fundraiser, which featured performances from Swan Lake, as well as several other ballets. After the performances, the dancers were so excited to meet me and tell me how much they love dancing in the Russian Pointe® pointes!

Held at the Art Center in Highland Park, the event also included food and drinks provided by local restaurants, as well as a silent auction, which included Russian Pointe® gift certificates. In all, the event raised more than $5,500 for student dance scholarships.

The Irina Makkai Classical Ballet & Dance School has been offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop and pre-ballet since 1981, and over the years, the school has had students dance with the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, Ballet West and the North Carolina School of the Arts.

With the money generated from the fundraiser, Irina and Lilla Makkai say they hope to expand their performances to full-length ballets and to also form a professional company to provide more opportunities for local dancers.

May they succeed in their goals and inspire even more young people to pursue their dreams of dance!