For over three decades, the Benois de la Danse has reigned as the pinnacle of the ballet world, often dubbed the “Oscar of Ballet.” Founded in 1991 by the late Yuri Grigorovich, the iconic Russian choreographer and dancer, this international ballet festival has transformed Moscow into a global stage for the art form’s most exceptional talents.
Despite geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and travel challenges in recent years, the 2025 edition of the festival, held at the historic Bolshoi Theatre, reaffirmed its enduring prestige, drawing dancers, choreographers, and jurors from across the globe to Russia’s capital for a dazzling celebration of dance.
The Benois de la Danse is renowned for its uncompromising standards, with performers and choreographers selected through a rigorous merit-based process to compete for the coveted Benois prize. Since its inception, the festival has showcased the finest in classical and contemporary ballet, fostering a spirit of artistic innovation while honoring the rich traditions of the dance form. This year’s event, marked by grandeur and glamour, culminated in two unforgettable performances that captivated audiences and underscored the festival’s global significance.
The first performance, the XXXIII award ceremony, featured a curated selection of dance numbers from iconic ballets, highlighting the technical brilliance and emotional depth of the competitors. The second, a spectacular gala, offered a breathtaking journey through ballet’s past and present. Audiences were treated to excerpts from timeless works such as The Nutcracker, Ivan the Terrible, Spartacus, and Raymonda, each performed with the precision and passion that define the Bolshoi’s legacy.
Contemporary pieces added a modern flair, with the Bolshoi’s prima ballerina and the festival’s artistic director Svetlana Zakharova stealing the spotlight in two exquisitely choreographed dances that showcased her unparalleled artistry.
The festival’s international jury, a distinguished panel of ballet luminaries, convened at Moscow’s opulent Metropol Hotel for a press conference, where they shared their experiences and reflections. Esther Nasser, a juror from South Africa, spoke with reverence about the opportunity to judge performances on the Bolshoi stage, describing Russian ballet traditions as a global benchmark for excellence. French choreographer and former dancer Jean Guizerix, in a conversation with this author conducted in French, revealed a personal connection to the festival’s history. Having danced on the Bolshoi stage in his youth and known the legendary Rudolf Nureyev personally, Guizerix expressed profound pride in returning as a juror to uphold the festival’s legacy.
Throughout the event, participants paid heartfelt tribute to Yuri Grigorovich, whose groundbreaking choreography for ballets like Spartacus and The Nutcracker continues to inspire stages worldwide and whose vision remains the soul of Benois de la Danse.
This year’s performances highlighted the festival’s commitment to diversity and global collaboration. Dancers from South Africa stood out with their extraordinary plasticity and innovative choreography, blending cultural influences with technical mastery to create moments of pure magic on stage. Their performances earned thunderous applause, underscoring the festival’s role as a platform for cross-cultural exchange.
Other international participants brought their own unique perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of styles that celebrated ballet’s universal appeal.
The gala concluded with a breathtaking défilé, a traditional procession of dancers that served as the festival’s grand finale. Each performer was presented with lavish bouquets of flowers, their elegance and poise illuminated by the Bolshoi’s golden lights. The audience rose to their feet in a deafening standing ovation, a testament to the emotional power and artistic brilliance of the evening.
In a world marked by division, the Benois de la Danse stands as a testament to the unifying power of art. By bringing together the world’s greatest dancers, choreographers, and jurors, the festival not only honors Yuri Grigorovich’s legacy but also reaffirms ballet’s ability to transcend borders and inspire awe.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 edition, Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre once again proved itself a hallowed ground for the art of dance, leaving audiences and participants alike with memories of an extraordinary celebration of beauty, talent, and passion.
Comments