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The International
Ballet Competition - Varna was established in 1964. Its first edition was held
from 2 to 13 July at the Open-Air Theatre in the same city - the biggest sea
resort of Bulgaria. It is the first professional international ballet competition
in the world.
On this occasion the world-famous French ballet master Serge Lifar said: "The
Varna Competition is a unique event in the history of ballet, an event of huge
importance…". And the great English ballet critic Mr. Arnold Haskell
added: "The Ballet Competition in Varna is a remarkable example of co-operation
and friendship, of high professional requirements. In Bulgaria a remarkable
creative atmosphere and a perfect organization have been established. One can
speak of "the spirit of Varna" with respect to ballet on an international
scale. Long live "the spirit of Varna!". Key phrases in the numerous
statements of the members of the International Jury, for which the critics said
that for the first time so many ballet stars had been brought together at one
place, were: "Bulgaria is a small country with great initiative",
"great and useful work", "conditions are created for the complete
expression of young talents".
Already with its first edition the Competition registered an impressive success
both as organization and artistic achievements. Memorable have remained both
the highly competent members of the International Jury under the chairmanship
of the ballerina of the 20th century Mrs. Galina Ulanova and the unforgettable
dance of classical and contemporary repertoire of Vladimir Vassiliev - the only
holder of the Varna Grand Prix. Thus a principally new stage in the development
of international co-operation in the field of ballet art has been initiated
- a wide exchange for the preservation and propagation both of the classical
ballet and the artistic trends and tendencies in contemporary dance and in the
first place the noble care for discovering and promoting world ballet talents.
Years later on its analogy similar events have been established in Moscow, St.
Petersburg, Perm, Kazan and Yalta in Russia, Jackson and New York in the USA,
Osaka and Nagoya in Japan, Paris, Lausanne and Ulgat in France, in Helsinki,
Budapest, Luxembourg, Kiev, Shanghai and Prague, etc. They continuously increase
in number. In the rapid growth of these events, however, the Varna Ballet Competition,
justly called by the English ballet critic John Gregory as a title of the book
issued by him, "Varna Ballet Olympiad", has kept not only its advantage
of the founder, but also the privilege of being of the highest prestige and
popularity. In the course of 38 years, its 20 editions have recorded the biggest
number of competitors - over 2,000 dancers from 35 countries.
The indisputable authority of this exceptional cultural event is based on several
basic distinctive factors:
- wide membership of the International Jury consisting of about 15-25 emblematic
world ballet figures from at least 12 countries;
- a highly professional competition programme. In complexity and volume it definitely
exceeds, in some cases many times, the requirements of similar events in other
countries. With an optimum balance and clear periodisation it comprises of three
works of classical choreography and two works of contemporary choreography.
This gives a chance for full, comprehensive and creative display of the dancers
by different stylistic and artistic tasks.
- a strict organization which recognizes the age of the participants. Seniors
and juniors are judged individually and awarded separate prizes. All activities
during the out of the competition are regulated by pre-announced regulations,
whereby the relevant schedule is strictly adhered to. Maximum efforts are exerted
to ensure adequate rehearsals in halls specially equipped for the purpose and
on the stage of the Open-Air Theatre.
- special attention is paid to the work of the International Jury. Only in Varna,
among all other competitions, full computerization of voting is implemented.
Each member of the International Jury gives the relevant mark immediately after
the performance of the dancer. By a special device the mark is entered, with
a unique code, into the Jury's computer without any interference of an operator
or mediator. A mathematical system is applied to prevent extreme personal opinions
to influence the marks of the competitors.
- the expenses of the competitors and their partners stay - hotel and sustenance
(for the forthcoming Competition after the First Round) are covered by the organizers.
For its prestige an eloquent fact is that almost all the brightest stars of
world ballet in the last three decades have received their first international
recognition as laureates of the Varna Competition. It is sufficient to mention
such brilliant names as Vladimir Vassiliev, Natalia Makarova, Eva Evdokimova,
Mikhail Barishnikov, Natalia Bessmertnova, Patrick Dupond, Sylvie Guillem, Agnes
Letestu, Yoko Morishita, Martin Van Hamel, Evelin Hart, Loypa Araujo, Vladimir
Malakhov, Fernando Bujones, Maximilliano Guerrra, Marin Boierou, etc.
Highly
popular is the definition of the French press that "any dancer awarded
in Varna has already a guaranteed prosperity in professional ballet. Even those
not awarded, on their return from Varna, are already considerably more popular
in their own countries".
The 20th, 21th and 22th edition was held under the honorary patronage of the wife
of the President of Republic of Bulgaria Mrs. Zorka Parvanova.
By tradition the Competition is held every other year in the second half of
July at the Open-Air Theatre of the city. Its romantic setting, its stage covered
with verdancy have become a symbol of the Varna Olympiad.
During the Competition concomitant events are also being held, among which the
traditional International Summer Ballet Academy with classes in classical ballet,
contemporary techniques and jazz. World-famous pedagogues from France, Great
Britain, Russia, Denmark, the USA, Holland, etc. are being invited to teach.
It is quickly gaining speed and it is expected that it will catch up with the
popularity of the Competition in the nearest future. The regular international
theoretical conferences are also of a definite significance. At these prestigious
forums different issues of classical and contemporary choreography are widely
discussed.
After 1992 the Competition is being organized, financed and carried out by Foundation
"International Ballet Competition - Varna". It raises funds only thanks
to the noble donations of contributors from Bulgaria and abroad. The next 23nd
International ballet competition - Varna is scheduled July 15 - 30,2008 to be
held jointly with Ministry of Culture and Municipality Varna.
Prof.
Emil Dimitrov is Chairman of Foundation "International Ballet Competition
- Varna"
 Mrs. Galina Ulanova |
 The first and sole "Varna Grand Prix"'s laureat Vladimir Vassiliev - USSR, 1964 |
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 Galina Ulanova and Assoc. Prof. Emil Dimitrov |
