The 10th Helsinki International Ballet Competition was held from 28 May to 5 June 2026. A total of 230 dancers from 36 different countries applied, and 81 dancers from 18 countries were selected through the video preselection. The competition had three categories: Juniors, Young Professionals and Seniors. The patron of the competition was Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb, spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland.
The Jane Erkko Grand Prix, worth € 20,000, was won by Jaeseung Sung (Korea), who competed in the Young Professionals category. The main prize is named after the competition’s most important supporter, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. Other significant supporters included the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the City of Helsinki. The encouragement prize for a promising Finnish dancer was donated by Balettiyhdistys Attitydi, and the Audience Favourite prize by Pro Dance ry.
See the full list of competition winners here >>
The ballet competition attracted public interest, with approximately 3,500 spectators attending the eight performances. In addition, all performances were streamed reaching a total of more than 140,000 viewers.
The Royal Ballet School’s Inspire seminar was also held in connection with the competition, with 18 teachers taking part. Six Turnouts discussion events were organised, attracting around 300 listeners. The discussion themes included body image and creativity in ballet, among other topics.
The jury was chaired by Javier Torres. The other members were Nina Ananiashvili, Joan Boada, Oğulcan Borova, Julie Kent, Ana Pavlović and Mário Radačovský. The competition was produced by the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association, chaired by Hannele Niiranen-Mattsson, with Hannu Hyttinen as vice-chair. Sirpa Miettinen served as Competition Manager, Teemu Tainio as Competitor Coordinator and Ida Salonen as Marketing Communications Manager. The success of the event was also made possible by around 50 volunteers.
Feedback from the competitors and their coaches has been positive. Participants praised event’s central location, professionalism of the competition office, rehearsal conditions, and the programme offered to dancers, such as morning classes, masterclasses, pilates classes and mental coaching.
Taking part in a ballet competition has become a part of a professional dancer’s work. Participation develops dancer’s artistic and technical skills, helps them network and supports employment opportunities. Only one can win, but in the competition everyone is seen and gains experience.
Recordings of the competition performances can be viewed on Yle Areena for thirty days.