The Tenth International Competition
for The Erik Bruhn Prize
See the Future Stars of Ballet in One Thrilling Night of Dance!
The legendary Erik Bruhn left his mark on the world of modern ballet in many ways –
primarily as a great dancer, but also as an inspiring teacher and an Artistic Director,
a position he occupied with The National Ballet of Canada from 1983 until his death
in 1986.
One of his greatest legacies is The Erik Bruhn Prize, which he endowed
to award to two young dancers, one male and one female, who, in his words, “reflect
such technical ability, artistic achievement and dedication as I endeavoured to bring
to dance.” In 2009, a Choreographic Prize was added to the event to honour the best
newly commissioned dance piece.
Since the first competition in 1988, The Erik Bruhn Prize has featured superb young
dancers from The Royal Danish Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet (UK)
and The National Ballet of Canada. The dancers are between the ages of 18 and 23
and are selected by their respective artistic directors. They perform in a classical pas
de deux and variations and a contemporary pas de deux or solo. The entire evening is
a rare chance to see the future of ballet all on one stage.
Reviews
“this glittering prize… giv[es] audiences a peek at future world-class performers.” Toronto Life
“features the best young dancers from several major companies and the standards are high” Pointe Magazine
“The Erik Bruhn Prize is a showcase of young talent from some of the most respected ballet companies in the world” DanceView Times
“The annual competition is open to the most promising young dancers and choreographers” Toronto Sun
Past Winners
Many past competitors and winners of The Erik Bruhn Prize have gone on to become Principal Dancers and enjoy international careers. Here is a list of past winners and where they are now.
- 1988
Rose Gad Poulsen, The Royal Danish Ballet
> retired as Principal Dancer with The Royal Danish Ballet in 2008
Errol Pickford, The Royal Ballet
> retired as Principal Dancer with West Australian Ballet in 2003
- 1989
Silja Wendrup-Schandorff, The Royal Danish Ballet
> retired as Principal Dancer with The Royal Danish Ballet in 2009 where she is currently Principal Ballet Mistress and Artistic Coordinator
Stephen Legate, The National Ballet of Canada
> retired as Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet in 2006
- 1993
Julie Kent, American Ballet Theatre
> currently Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre
Johan Kobborg, The Royal Danish Ballet
> currently Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet
- 1995
Jaimie Tapper, The National Ballet of Canada
> retired as Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet in 2006
Johan Persson, The National Ballet of Canada
> retired as Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet
in 2002 and is currently a dance photographer with The Royal Ballet
- 1999
Vanessa Zahorian, San Francisco Ballet
> currently Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet
Jhe Russell, The National Ballet of Canada
> retired as Second Soloist from The National Ballet of Canada in 2002
Guennadi Nedviguine, San Francisco Ballet
> currently Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet
- 2002
Michele Wiles, American Ballet Theatre
> currently Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre
Friedemann Vogel, Stuttgart Ballet
> currently Senior Principal Dancer with English National Ballet
- 2007
Tina Pereira, The National Ballet of Canada
> currently First Soloist with The National Ballet of Canada
Ulrik Birkkjær, The Royal Danish Ballet
> currently Principal Dancer with The Royal Danish Ballet
- 2009
Elena Lobsanova, The National Ballet of Canada
> currently First Soloist with The National Ballet of Canada
Cory Stearns, American Ballet Theatre
> currently Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre
Winner of the first Choreographic Prize
Matjash Mrozewski, The National Ballet of Canada
- 2011
Maria Baranov, The Hamburg Ballet
> currently Principal Dancer with the Finnish National Ballet
Joseph Gorak, American Ballet Theatre
> currently Corps de Ballet with American Ballet Theatre
Winner of the Choreographic Prize
Demis Volpi, Stuttgart Ballet