Ballet's next generation takes to the stage

Elite dancers and performers from more than 20 countries celebrate creativity and cultural exchange in Beijing, Chen Nan reports.

The 9th Beijing International Ballet Competition for Dance Schools and Dance Performance 2025, hosted by the Beijing Dance Academy, is uniting top dance schools and performers from over 20 countries, offering a platform for global collaboration and talent development.

Kicking off on Tuesday and running until the coming Monday, the opening gala was staged at the Beijing Dance Academy and a celebration of both tradition and innovation. With an evocative fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, the performances highlighted the rich tapestry of classical dance, folk and ethnic dances, ballet, modern dance, and ballroom dance.

This year, the competition includes three main segments: an international ballet competition, which features categories for young dancers between 13 and 24 years old; high-level dance performances and a showcase that features 11 original or collaborative dance works from 12 institutions across nine countries and regions; and master-classes led by nine world-renowned teachers from seven countries, who cover ballet, folk dance, contemporary techniques, and choreography, catering to students at all levels.

The competition boasts an illustrious panel of judges, including Nina Ananiashvili, the artistic director of the State Ballet of Georgia, who is an award-winning figure in the global ballet community. The judging panel also includes Vladimir Malakhov, a former star of the Mariinsky Ballet, Ivan Gil-Ortega, Queensland Ballet's artistic director, and Kevin Durwael, artistic director of the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, Belgium.

The opening gala included a speech from Ananiashvili, who emphasized the profound importance of competitions designed specifically for young dancers.

"For these emerging talents, this competition is about more than just winning," said Ananiashvili, who served as prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Theatre from 1987 to 2004, captivating global audiences with her exceptional technique and profound expressiveness.