The tenth Helsinki International Ballet Competition held at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet has come to an end on Friday night June 5, 2026. The prestigious Jane Erkko Grand Prix, the competition’s top award, was awarded to Jaeseung Sung (Korea), who competed in the Young Professionals Category.
The finals of the HIBC are now finished. It is a wonder seeing how the young participants add an edge of risk to their skills and artistry aiming to get the best out of their talents. Being all former dancers, we, the members of the jury, understand the stress such tests mean and feel privileged and touched to see the effort and dedication of each competitor“, says the president of the jury Javier Torrez, Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet.
Jane Erkko Grand Prix
48 Jaeseung Sung, Korea
Juniors
1. Doris Laine Prize
7 Mikaela Cameron, USA
2. Prize
4 Lily Kiyama, Japan / USA
3. Prize
11 Jiyoung In, Korea & 16 Annie Webb, USA
Young Professionals
1. Doris Laine Prize
34 Kenshin Kimura, Japan
2. Prize
40 Ayako Tsukada, Japan
3. Prize
51 Yujeong Kang, Korea
Seniors
1. Doris Laine Prize
The prize was not awarded.
2. Prize
67 Chung Hun Yan, China
3. Prize
80 David Rathbun, USA & 62 Evelyn Robinson, USA
Choreography Awards
1. Prize
37 Samuel Pereira, Portugal
2. Prize
32 Pinja Elonen, Finland
3. Prize
Julian Nicosia
Encouragement Award to a Promising Finnish Dancer
32 Pinja Elonen, Finland
Audience Favourite Award
66 Anni Martinsén, Finland
The Helsinki International Ballet Competition, founded by the primaballerina and professor Doris Laine-Almi in 1984 is one of the most highly regarded and largest ballet competitions in the world. The previous time the competition was held was in 2022. The event is organised by the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association.
Photo by Roosa Oksaharju