During the Moscow International Ballet Competition, the editorial team of Voci dell’Opera decided to celebrate not only the prize winners, but also the artists who especially moved us with their talent, stage presence, and sincerity.

After the XV International Ballet Competition came to an end, Marmus Auguste’s bronze medal became an important event not only for the artist himself, but also for the Hungarian National Ballet, which he represents. The young dancer went through several rounds, demanding programs, and growing competitive pressure while preserving what matters most: stage expressiveness, technical focus, and the ability to remain fully inside the character.

The Korean pair Kim Min-jin and Lee Kang-won became one of the brightest impressions of the XV International Ballet Competition. Their performances were received with great enthusiasm, and the artists were called for an encore — a rare and truly phenomenal moment for a competition stage.

We spoke with Auguste Marmus and Rachel Pimentel Quintão about what it means to step onto the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, how a competition performance differs from a regular production, how to find a balance between technique and artistry, and which roles they dream of performing in the future.

For Denis Watanabe from Japan, performing on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre became a special experience: after several years without competitions, he once again found himself in a competitive atmosphere, where technique and focus matter, but so does the ability to cope with one’s own nerves.

Vladislav Bashmakov shared his impressions of the XV International Ballet Competition, his preparation for performing, the nerves before going on stage, and what helps an artist maintain confidence in performance.

XV International Ballet Competition in Moscow brings together young performers from different countries and schools, creating a space not only for professional competition but also for the exchange of experience, inspiration, and new encounters.

We spoke with teacher Marina Vezhnovets and her student Anastasia Yarmosh, representing Belarus, about the meaning of the competition, pre-performance jitters, the ability to immerse yourself in character, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others.

Tan Sağtürk (Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey on Arts Affairs, Vice President of the International Federation of Ballet Competitions (IFBC)), an artist, teacher, and director with extensive international experience, reflects on the importance of competitions like the International Ballet Competition, the balance between technique and artistry, how the jury recognizes a young performer's potential in the first round, and why a single mistake shouldn't r

During the 15th International Ballet Competition, we spoke with Gulzhan Tutkibayeva — People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Professor, and Artistic Director of the Ballet Company of the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre. In our conversation, she shared her first impressions of the participants, spoke about the criteria used by the jury, the role of artistry, and why a competition performance requires special concentration, inspiration, and inner maturity