“As the artistic director of the Finnish National Ballet, I am very pleased for the tight cooperation between the ballet competition and Finnish National Ballet. An international dance event of this level and importance gives indispensable international exposure to dance in Finland”, Madeleine Onne says.
“The impact ballet competitions have on young dancers is significant: they open doors to renowned companies and offer invaluable inspiration to aspiring dancers.”
“Helsinki International Ballet Competition has during the years assured its place among the most acclaimed international ballet competitions. Since I started working in the Finnish National Ballet, I have received numerous comments from Korea, Canada, New Zealand and Australia when leaders within the ballet world have expressed their admiration for the Helsinki International Ballet Competition and the exemplary way it is organized. “
Among the winners of the Helsinki International Competition are many successful principal dancers, such as Iana Salenko (Berlin State Ballet), Jurgita Dronina (Canada National Ballet), Daniil Simkin (American Ballet theatre and Berlin State Ballet) and Jeffrey Cirio (American Ballet Theatre), among others.
“I myself was one of the jury members in 2012 and I hired the Senior Gold Medalist Candice Adea to join the Hong Kong Ballet as one of the leading dancers”, Madeleine Onne continues.
“The mission of the Helsinki International Ballet Competition is not only to serve as stepping stone to young dancers; during the last years the competition has also raised its reputation being an international educational event for all the participants. With the mission of the competition “Turning everyone into a winner”, the organizers want to emphasize the educational aspect of the competition. The young dancers might not always get a prize but the hours they have spent on practicing in preparation for the competition, that itself is usually the biggest gain and something they all will remember as a unique period in their career.”
All competitors also receive top quality training and take part in workshops throughout their stay in Helsinki during the period of the competition.
“In the world of computers and non-moving activities for children and young adults and in a time when culture is more important than ever I hope this “gem” among ballet competitions in the world will continue its mission”, Madeleine Onne emphasizes.
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