XV International Ballet Competition concludes on Bolshoi Theatre stage in Moscow

The XV International Ballet Competition concluded with a gala concert featuring the prize winners on the Historic Stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. This year's prestigious event was dedicated to the memory of the outstanding choreographer and People's Artist of the USSR, Yuri Grigorovich.

A record 362 applications were submitted from 35 countries. Following the preliminary selection, 158 ballet artists from 30 countries advanced to the competition programme, while 131 contestants from 27 countries took part in the in-person rounds.

"Our country is renowned for, and proud of, its rich traditions of choreographic art. This year, the international jury included representatives of the ballet world from Russia, Belarus, Brazil, Hungary, Kazakhstan, China, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, Serbia, Türkiye and South Africa. We are seeing unprecedented interest in Russian ballet, both at the Bolshoi Theatre and far beyond our country’s borders. Full houses at the competition rounds and millions of online views are among the clearest confirmations of this"

Olga Lyubimova Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation

As is customary, competitors were divided into two age categories: junior (up to 19 years old) and senior (up to 27 years old). The competition was held on both the New Stage and the Historic Stage of the Bolshoi Theatre.

“There are no words to describe what I am feeling right now. Dancing on this stage has been my dream since I started ballet as a little boy in Brazil. This is my first year working in Russia, my first job here, and I feel immense joy. I am truly thrilled,” Brazilian ballet artist Arthur Libertini, a competition participant, told TV BRICS.

As tradition dictates, the jury included internationally acclaimed ballet performers, distinguished ballet masters and choreographers, directors of leading ballet companies and renowned teachers.

“Every country brings something different to dance, style, traditions, or whatever it may be. The characteristics of each country's school and culture are clearly reflected in the performers. It is wonderful to see how they each interpret the same work in their own way. And it is precisely where they come from that makes their performances so captivating,” jury member Esther Nasser from South Africa said in an interview with TV BRICS.

The competition rounds and the gala concert were held to sold-out audiences, while online broadcasts attracted more than 9 million views. They were watched in Russia, Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Cuba and many other countries.

"I can say with confidence that Yuri Nikolayevich Grigorovich would have been proud of this Competition. For us, the members of the Jury, this Competition will certainly be one to remember, because the participants exceeded our expectations. We rejoiced in their success, worried for them and were with them in spirit. We are already looking forward to the next International Ballet Competition in Moscow in four years’ time!"

Svetlana Zakharova People’s Artist of Russia, Rector of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography

During the competition, a series of cultural events took place, including lectures by leading ballet experts, discussions with celebrated ballet artists and film screenings. The programme attracted participants, guests, teachers and numerous spectators, generating considerable public interest.

Ahead of the opening of the XV International Ballet Competition, a special project entitled "The Birth of a Supernova" was launched, featuring past prize winners of the competition. An exhibition, "World Fame: A Chronicle of the Moscow Ballet Competition", also opened in the public garden on Arkhangelsky Lane in Moscow.

The International Ballet Competition was established by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. TV BRICS served as the event’s international media partner.