Press release - Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix Veszprém 2023

1 March 2023 - The international competition is part of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture (VEB2023 ECoC) programme, and will be hosted by the newly inaugurated ActiCity Dance and Movement Centre 26-30 June. The event is open to ballet students from all over the world aged 7-18 who are invited to perform in the pre-competitive, junior and youth categories. The Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix jury of is composed of renowned classical ballet and contemporary dancers.

Debuting this year, Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix is one of the pioneering dance events of the VEB2023 ECoC programme. Competitors have the opportunity to test their skills in professional and amateur categories; in both classical and modern ballet; and in individual, duet and group routines. The long-term aim of the event is to nurture talent and promote ballet education and the art of ballet in Hungary. In addition to professional recognition, winners of the Junior Grand Prix competition will take home a cash prize of €500, and €1,000 for winning the Youth Grand Prix. 

‘In the past years, we have participated in several prestigious international competitions with the students of the Hungarian National Ballet Institute, and our students have always been a great success. It is time for the eyes of the world to focus on Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture and the Hungarian ballet world’, said Tamás Solymosi, Director of the Hungarian National Ballet and Ballet Institute and professional director of the competition.

Registration for the competition is open until 14 March. During the registration phase, contestants  can create their own programme based on the pre-defined competition programme and then upload a link to a 4-minute (max.) video of their chosen programme connected to the registration form. Children under 12 years of age are free to enter a choreography of their choice. A jury of renowned professionals from the Hungarian and international ballet scene will select performers based on the submitted entries. The event will conclude with a public gala evening on 30 June.

‘Up to now we have taken our students to various competitions in many countries, but only as guests. That's why we are particularly pleased to be hosting this major event and to be able to organise our own competition. Every competition is very important for ballet dancers because they can develop their skills. This will be no different for Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix Veszprém’, stressed Radina Dace, Artistic Director of Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix, former prima ballerina, Ballet Master and Artistic Director of the Hungarian National Ballet Institute.

Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix Veszprém is organised by the Hungarian National Ballet Institute and the Hungarian State Opera's Foundation for Ballet Students, together with professional support from the Hungarian State Opera.

ActiCity, also established under the VEB2023 ECoC programme, is a new cultural meeting point that has been created from the shell of the former children's hospital.  The newly renovated to purpose building will not only host high quality events such as Hungarian Ballet Grand Prix, but will also provide training and performance opportunities for various dance and movement groups from Veszprém. A pleasant park will complement the modern complex of buildings near the city centre, making the venue part of a ‘green cultural corridor’ within walking distance of other institutions in Veszprém’s cultural district.