Competition through the eyes of the participants: Denis Watanabe and Pedro Pereira de Sousa on the Bolshoi Theatre, inner nerves, and the power of support

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The XV International Ballet Competition is not only an opportunity for participants to present themselves, but also a serious inner challenge.

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.

Denis spoke about getting used to the raked stage, why the main pressure for him comes not from the jury but from himself, and which role he dreams of performing in the future.

How do you feel on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre? Is it difficult for you?

For me, it is a little stressful, because this is a competition, and all the participants are competing with one another, trying to show their best. I have not taken part in competitions for a long time, so this is a new feeling for me: being not just on stage, but in a competitive atmosphere again.

But performing on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre is a wonderful opportunity. The space of the stage was not a big problem for me, but the rake is the main challenge.

So the stage at your school is flat?

Yes, our stage is flat. That is why a raked stage is a new feeling for me. It takes time to get used to it.

How do you manage to cope with it?

I do not yet feel that I am doing everything at my maximum, but it is gradually getting better. It is an experience I need to adapt to.

What helps you find balance before going on stage? Do you have any rituals or a usual preparation routine?

I do not have any special ritual, but it is important for me to do the same things before a performance that I do before a rehearsal: the same class, the same training, the same stretching. It helps me feel calmer and more natural.

Are you able not to think about the jury sitting in the hall and evaluating the performance?

I do not really feel pressure from the jury. The pressure comes more from myself and perhaps from my teacher. The jury sees me for the first time: they do not know how I usually dance, what kind of artist I am, or what kind of person I am. So for me, it is important simply to show the best I can.

But I know myself how I can dance and what I can be on stage. I want to reach that level, and sometimes that is exactly what creates inner pressure.

Do you have a dream role?

My dream is the role of Basilio in Don Quixote. If I reach the final, I will perform it there. It has been a great wish of mine since childhood: I have watched many performances and always dreamed of this role.

What image or emotional state would you like to convey to the audience in your next performance?

First of all, joy. I want the audience to feel the energy and excitement of my dance. That is the most important thing for me.

Did you feel more confident after the first round?

Yes, of course. I try to learn from what did not go so well in the first round and do better in the second. I felt calmer because I already understood better how to prepare before going on stage and how to set myself mentally.

Were you able to take anything from the classes with the Bolshoi Theatre teachers?Was there anything different from your usual school?

Yes, I felt that a broader port de bras is needed here. On stage, this is especially important because the space is large and the audience is far away. To convey the character and the movement to the hall, everything has to be done on a larger scale. This is one of the differences I especially felt between the European and Russian schools.

After speaking with Denis Watanabe, we talked to Brazilian participant Pedro Pereira de Sousa. For him, performing on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre was an unexpected but very important experience: Pedro says he is happy to be in Moscow and to take part in a competition of this level.

Is this your first time in Moscow and at the International Ballet Competition? How do you feel on the legendary stage of the Bolshoi Theatre?

Yes, it's my first time in Moscow and I feel very good. It is an incredible experience for me, and I am very happy to perform here.

Is it difficult to perform on this stage? It has a rake, and not every theatre has that. How do you feel about it?

It is very difficult. The stage is inclined, but over time the body begins to get used to it. Now it is already easier for me than it was in the first round.

Do you feel the support of the audience in the hall?

The support of the audience is very important for a dancer. It is what makes everything special and beautiful. In Moscow, this is felt very strongly, and I am grateful to the audience.

How do you switch between rounds and different characters? How do you change from one variation to another?

Each choreography is different, and each character is different. So I need to change my expression, my way of interpretation, and the way I dance. I try to switch as quickly as possible.

Is it difficult?

Yes, it is very difficult.

What helps you prepare? Do you have any techniques or rituals?

I work on my expression, on how to show the character to the audience in a different way. I mostly do this in front of the mirror, but on stage everything still feels different.

Do you have a dream role or a character you would especially like to perform in the future? Maybe an artist you look up to?

In the future, I want to be myself. I try not to copy anyone, although of course I do have sources of inspiration. I want to become a professional dancer and be recognized all over the world. As for variations, I am already dancing what I like, and in the future I think I will keep improving what I can already do.