

Vice President Margarita Popova officially opened the 27th edition of International Ballet Competition – Varna. The Bulgarian competitor in the Juniors category Daniel Obreshkov, student at National School of Arts “Dobri Hristov” – Varna, was the first to dance on the stage.
Varna is again capital of world ballet. Last night the 27th edition of International Ballet Competition – Varna was opened with an official ceremony. With one minute silence the organisers honoured the memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice. Thereafter the ceremony began with Bulgarian folklore songs and dances performed by quartet “Martenitsa” to community centre “Elin Pelin”, Varna, and the dance ensemble of Varna Free University with choreographer Prof. Petar Angelov. The National Ballet soloists Katerina Petrova and Nikola Hadzhitanev welcomed the guests with adagio from Zorba the Greek.
On behalf of the organisers Dimitar Dimitrov, Chairman of Foundation International Ballet Competition – Varna, welcomed both guests and participants and wished them memorable moments with the magic of ballet art. “I am convinced that we are to expect wonderful nights here on the stage of the Open-Air Theatre. I am happy that Varna is again the world ballet capital and that yet again young talents from all over the world have come to seek on this legendary stage recognition of their hard work and talent. To all of them I wish to perform in their best possible way. Good luck!”
Kosta Bazitov, Deputy Mayor of the city by the sea, welcomed the participants by pointing out that the International Ballet Competition was the gem in the crown of artistic events in summer Varna, which were the image of the city before the world. Together with the International Music Festival “Varna Summer”, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this season, Varna Ballet Olympiad is the high forum that places Varna on the map of the world as a centre of culture, noted Mr Bazitov, further emphasising the importance of the Competition in the year when Varna is preparing for European Youth Capital 2017. On behalf of Varna Mayor Ivan Portnih he wished the participants and organisers a successful Competition, full of positive emotions, with the hope that this year again new stars of world ballet would be discovered in Varna.
The Members of the International Jury were welcomed with roses and prolonged applause, and the Chairman Prof. Vladimir Vasiliev, the only holder of the Varna Grand Prix, addressed the participants with a moving speech reminding the memorable first edition of the forum in1964 and wished the young talents success. For his contribution to Varna Competition the legendary God of Dance was personally awarded by Vice President Margarita Popova with the plaque of honour of the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Margarita Popova gave the start of the contest. In her emotional address she emphasised that International Ballet Competition – Varna established Bulgaria on the world ballet art stage. The International Ballet Competition in Varna combines artistic excellence with perfect organisation and gives us the privilege to experience together art on a world level. The multitudinous audience have the opportunity to experience the most wonderful feeling given by ballet art – the illusion of flying, Vice President Margarita Popova said when opening the 27th International Ballet Competition in Varna. The future stars of classical and modern dance have to learn the hard lesson of professional discipline and sacrifices in order to establish themselves on the big stage, Margarita Popova addressed the participants and guests of the prestigious Competition. In her welcoming speech the Vice President pointed that real inspiration and many efforts were required to maintain the high prestige of the first and the most renowned ballet competition in the world. “Thanks to this Competition Bulgaria has created and entered in its cultural biography a festival which represents our country before the world as a source of beauty and talent and establishes it on the world ballet art stage”, Margarita Popova stated.
After a ceremonial march of the flags of the countries participants, the flame of the Ballet Olympiad was kindled by the youngest participants in the Competition – 15-year old Nisa Ece Bergsan from Turkey and 16-year old Jun Masuda from Japan.
155 candidates from 35 countries are officially enrolled in the Competition. 51 young dancers in the Juniors category and 104 in the Seniors category will contest for the prizes. The competitors are competing for the title “laureate of International Ballet Competition – Varna”, distinctions, medals and many other prizes. The Special Prize for young talents in the name of Maestro Emil Dimitrov, founder and long standing driving factor of this exceptional in the world of dance event, will be awarded for the third time.
The Bulgarian competitor in the Juniors category Daniel Obreshkov, student at National School of Arts “Dobri Hristov” – Varna, was the first to perform before the Jury, dancing variation of Franz from Act II of Delibe’s Copelia.
The First Round – classical choreography. This Round will be until 19 July, then the Second Round – classical and contemporary choreography – from 21 till 24 July, and then the Third Round – from 26 till 27 July. The final will be a gala concert of the laureates on 29 July, followed on 30 July by a super gala “Meeting of generations” on 30 July, where holders of prizes from previous Competition editions will take part.
International Ballet Competition – Varna was founded in 1964 and is the first in the world professional ballet competition. It is organised by International Ballet Competition – Varna Foundation and co-organiser of the event is Varna Municipality. The forum is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria. Patron of the 27th edition is Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria Margarita Popova. The Ballet Olympiad is under the patronage of UNESCO and its Director General Irina Bokova.
The Competition’s main partner is Societe Generalе Expressbank.
Sponsors of the Competition are: Utex Holding, Ballet School “Masha Ilieva”, Vivgio, BMF Port Burgas, Huvepharma, America for Bulgaria Foundation, Albena AD, Citroen.
Media partners of the Competition are: BNT, Darik, TV1, TV Cherno More, Zhenata Dnes Magazine, website Moreto.net, BNR Radio Varna, Network Dance.