Newsletters
Turkish ballerina Nilay Tahiroglu, an artist with the State Opera and Ballet, will represent Türkiye at the International Moscow Ballet Competition, where she has been directly accepted without taking part in the preliminary selection process.
The competition will be held on the Historic Stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow from June 25 to July 5, bringing together 362 dancers from 35 countries across different categories.
Tahiroglu was exempted from the preliminary round because of the results she had previously achieved in international competitions. Her direct acceptance places her among the dancers who will compete at one of the ballet world's most prestigious events.
Speaking during rehearsals, Tahiroglu said she had been preparing for the competition for about three months and described it as one of the most important events of her career.
"I am extra excited. It is my first time taking part in a competition at the Bolshoi. This is a ballet competition where very important dancers compete. I hope I return with an award," she said.
Tahiroglu said the competition will be held in three rounds. She will perform solo pieces from major classical ballet works, including La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Esmeralda, Don Quixote and Paquita.
She will also present a modern dance choreography prepared by State Opera and Ballet artist Elif Firat, adding a contemporary element to her competition program.
Tahiroglu, who previously won a placement at another competition in Moscow, said performing on the Bolshoi stage carries special meaning for ballet artists. She also pointed to the physical and mental demands of dance, saying, "The love, passion and desire for dance make us strong. Doing ballet is not easy."
Her coach, choreographer Volkan Ersoy, said the International Moscow Ballet Competition has been held since 1969 and is regarded in global ballet circles as the "ballet Olympics."
Ersoy said the event has served as a turning point in the careers of many internationally known dancers, and that Tahiroglu earned her place through her previous international achievements.
He said their three-month preparation process focused not only on technique, but also on stage psychology and stress management, because the competition requires a level of discipline that goes beyond a standard performance.
"Nilay will compete on the Bolshoi stage, with a live orchestra, on the same platform as the world's best young dancers. That is why strong mental preparation is needed alongside technical competence. I believe Nilay will achieve success in this competition," Ersoy said.
Ersoy added that Tahiroglu is the only Turkish artist from Türkiye taking part in the competition. The gala night will be held on July 5, and the winners will be announced on July 6.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
