Gallery Etudis an private exhibition space on two levels (70 square meters), acquired by Etud Foundation to host exhibits, lectures and discussions about visual arts, contemporary dance and theater, new books and educational programs: courses, screenings, performances and other contemporary art events.
Etud foundation was founded by Ani Collier in 2005 and is based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Its main goal is to support independent art projects related mostly to dance: creation of new work, access to seminars, workshops and festivals, archiving of documents and other activities related to dance in Bulgaria.
After having 9th edition of dance concerts twice an year, where have been presented short works by Bulgarian artists (no selection, everyone could participated), Ani Collier together with the choreographer Galina Borissova decided to make a small festival in end of June.
The first festival ‘Etud and Friends’ was launched in 2016 and provided a platform to showcase new and established Bulgarian artists as well as Bulgarians working abroad for years: Krassen Krastev (Switzerland/Bulgaria), Tzveta Kassabova (USA/Bulgaria), Tana Maneva (Sweden/Bulgaria), Manolis Tsipos (Belgium), Maciej Sado (Poland), Galina Borissova, Willy Prager, Iva Svestharova, Miroslav Yordanov, Miroslava Zahova, Stefania Georgieva, Аni Vaseva/Methe Or.
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Galina Borissova and Ani Collier were classmates at The State Ballet School in Bulgaria but their careers took them in different directions after graduation in 1985. For many years Ani was a principal dancer with ballet companies in Bulgaria and USA while Galina made a name for herself on the contemporary dance scene in Europe. Their first project together was the dance/theater performance ‘Transitions’ at The Hippodrome State Theatre in Florida in 2000 followed by numerous other activities: creating videos and short dance films, recording interviews, organizing and curating dance concerts and festivals. Galina is a published author. Her book ‘Dance images and artistic preferences’, was published by New Bulgarian University 2011г. while Ani took time off the ballet world to obtain a MBA and learn photography. She shoots documentary for major dance companies and also creates digital collages. Ani Collier is the author of Alberto Alonso movie ‘Alberto-Carmen’.
