Gergő Ármin Balázsi Wins Top Ballet Award
Hungarian ballet dancer Gergő Ármin Balázsi, a member of the Hungarian National Ballet, has recently achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning the prestigious Benois de la Danse prize in the male dancer category. The award was shared with Artemy Belyakov, principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet Company from Moscow.
The Benois de la Danse is known as one of the most esteemed international ballet awards and this year’s ceremony took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow on June 25. This marks a historic moment for the Hungarian National Ballet as it is the first time in the thirty-three year history of the prize that two artists from the company, Tatyjana Melnyik and Gergő Ármin Balázsi, were nominated.
Balázsi, who has been a member of the Hungarian National Ballet since 2014, was also elected as “Étoile” in the 2022/23 season, the highest rank for ballet dancers. The Hungarian National Ballet expressed their pride in a social media post, stating that Balázsi and Melnyik represented the company in Moscow, where they performed Wayne Eagling’s ‘Duet’. Additionally, Tamás Solymosi, Director of the Hungarian National Ballet, was part of the jury for the award ceremony.
The Hungarian State Opera announced this outstanding achievement on their Facebook page, highlighting Balázsi’s previous accolades such as winning the Hungarian Bronze Medal, Junior Prima Prize, and the Étoile title in the preceding season for his performance in “The Pygmalion Effect”. This recognition showcases Balázsi’s exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Founded in 1991 by the International Dance Association, the Benois de la Danse is an annual award that acknowledges outstanding performances in dance from the previous year. In addition to honoring choreographers, the prize also celebrates the achievements of male and female ballet dancers, presents a lifetime achievement award, and recognizes the contributions of designers and composers in the field of dance.
Gergő Ármin Balázsi’s success in winning the Benois de la Danse prize not only brings great pride to the Hungarian National Ballet but also highlights the talent and artistry of Hungarian dancers on the international stage.
