The organizers of the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix held a joint press conference on Tuesday, October, 24 at the Hungarian University of Dance, whereas was present the members of the organisors: Erika Miklósa, opera singer awarded with the Order of St. Stephen of Hungary, winner of the Kossuth and Ferenc Liszt Prizes, president of the board of trustees of the MOL-New Europe Foundation, Márta Fodorné Molnár, rector of the Hungarian Academy of Dance, Tamás Nagy, competition director of the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix. János Kiss, Kossuth Prize-winning ballet artist, chairman of the board of trustees of the foundation that maintains the university said … From the very beginning, the organisers’ aim was to hold an event, organised by the Hungarian Dance University Institution with behind them of 75-year history. Having said, it means a real meeting point for the dance arts in Europe and worldwide. Seeing the interest shown for the competition, this can be achieved. Continued … The main goal is to discover search for talent/talent development main motivation. Future ballet artists must be set an example. Budapest Ballet Grand Prix will be a high-quality international ballet competition. Yesterday the number participating nation’s was 22, but today just before the press conference applied a balett dancer from South America/Paraguay which increased the number now a total of 23rd nations whom will represent themselves at the competition. Participating dancers from all corner of the Earth such as: Brazil, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, USA, Finland, Korea, China, Russia. Erika Miklósa – Kossuth-Awarded coloratura soprano decorated with the Order of Szent István Magyar – opera singer. wholeheartly supports this coming event and added the aim of the competition is to discover, support and help the careers of highly talented balett dancers. Opera singer is president of the main sponsor Mol-Új Európa Foundation and as its priority, the foundation support treats talent management. Mentioned and later saw the two dancers on the spot, saying: many ballet artists spread their wings such Janka Dobra and Kamili Kökény-Hámori, who are now graduated classical balett dancers and the pair just received a contract offer from the Hungarian Opera House. The audience can also see them at the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix Gala event. Márta Molnár Fodorné – university professor – rector of the Hungarian Academy of Dance, highlighted the possibilities of the event, including scholarship offers, even possibilities for contract, offers, workshops. During the event the dancers may watch, learn, exchanged experiences from one-an-other. Last but not least she is proud to say, that not only the diversity of the training is outstanding, but also the quality of the education. At this event can learn from eachother methodologies from the participating international ballet actors. The Budapest Ballet Grand Prix will be held between November 20-24, 2023, in order to popularize Hungarian ballet and dance art. The Budapest Ballet Grand Prix with Hungarian and international ballet competitors will be held for the first time. In addition to the Hungarian Academy of Dance, the event will be hosted by the National Dance Theater Institution – whereas the competition qualifing rounds and preliminary will be hosted. The Gala – Palace of Arts (Müpa) whereas the finalist and selected dancers will preform in Hungary’s modern cultural institution.
The grand event not only the dancers will represent world-class quality, but the jury as well. Also the sponsors were highlighted metioning the main sponsor such: MOL-New Europe Foundation and the Grand Tokaj Wine a.k.a. “The King of Wines” from Tolcsva whose wines we could taste on the spot servered along with the brunchy tastes. Likewise were announced many other distinguished sponsors.
Not only the dancers will represent world-class quality, but the jury as well whom are composed of internationally recognized dancers, choreographers and ensemble leaders of the dance world distinguished and internationally renowned artists: Former principal dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet and Artistic Director of the Korean National Ballet choreographers and ensemble leaders of the dance world will be chaired by South Korean Suejin Kang, former principal dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet and Artistic Director of the Korean National Ballet. Mr. Tamás Solymosi – Director of Ballet Hungarian State Opera who also appeared in countless stages worldwide.Thomas Edur CBE -Former principal dancer of the English National Ballet. David Makhateli – Former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, London. Founding director of D&D Art Productions and Grand Audition. Daria Klimentová – Former principal dancer of the English National Ballet, teacher of the Royal Ballet Upper School. She is the founder and organizer of the International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague. Anna Tsygankova – Principal dancer of the Dutch National Ballet and demanded guest teacher from the Royal Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Paris Opera, Finnish National Ballet, Swedish Royal Ballet.
The Budapest Ballet Grand Prix is for exceptionally talented young dancers from all over the world in the age group of 15-24 who consider dance as their career in various age groups. Competitors from professional schools and ensembles can show their skills in classical ballet and modern dance categories, solo and pas de deux, in three age groups. Category I (junior A) – 15-17 year olds, II. category (junior B) – 17-19 year olds, III. category (senior A) – 19-24 year old.
Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 