The 7th Istanbul International Ballet Competition brings together young ballet talents from all over the world in Istanbul.
ISTANBUL 27 MAY – 1 JUNE 2026
Deadline for the application of the video selection 1 May 2026
Few cities possess the symbolic resonance of Istanbul — a metropolis poised between Europe and Asia, history and modernity. It is precisely here that one of the most distinguished platforms for classical dance has taken root: the International Istanbul Ballet Competition, first established in 2008 by the General Directorate of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, the sole institution in Türkiye authorised to present ballet at a professional, academically grounded level.
Conceived with the dual ambition of reinforcing Türkiye’s artistic identity and contributing meaningfully to the international ballet landscape, the competition has, since its inception, evolved into a fixture of global relevance. From its inaugural edition, it has been held biennially, and its artistic credibility was swiftly recognised when it was unanimously admitted to the International Federation of Ballet Competitions (IFBC), headquartered in Moscow — a distinction reserved for competitions of proven artistic and organisational integrity.
A defining characteristic of the Istanbul International Ballet Competition is its commitment to accessibility and transparency. Since 2008, every stage of the competition has been broadcast live on national television, an exceptional practice that not only amplifies its cultural reach but also situates ballet firmly within the public sphere. Info: istanbulballetcompetition.gov.tr/en
A Platform Beyond Competition
More than a contest of virtuosity, the International Istanbul Ballet Competition functions as an educational and artistic forum. By bringing together young dancers and an internationally esteemed jury, it fosters an environment of exchange in which artistic perspectives are refined, careers are shaped, and creative horizons expanded. In this sense, the competition mirrors the pedagogical ethos of the world’s great ballet traditions, offering participants an invaluable encounter with experience, critique and mentorship.
Eligibility and Structure
The competition is open to professional dancers of all nationalities, as well as students enrolled in conservatoires and dance academies worldwide. Participants compete in two age divisions:
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Junior Division: ages 14–18
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Senior Division: ages 19–26
Each division is further separated into female and male categories, a structure designed to broaden participation and ensure equitable evaluation. This classification system distinguishes the Istanbul competition from many of its counterparts, enabling a wider range of artists to be recognised and awarded.
Dates and Application Details
The 7th International Istanbul Ballet Competition will take place in Istanbul from 27 May to 2 June 2026.
As part of the application process, all candidates are required to submit a video pre-selection, with the final submission deadline set for 1 May 2026.
Comprehensive information regarding participation requirements, application procedures and official announcements is provided by the General Directorate of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, as well as through the competition’s officially designated online platforms.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the official websites and to submit their materials within the stated timeframe.
An International Jury of Distinction
Over the years, the competition has welcomed an exceptional array of jurors whose influence has shaped the global ballet canon. Among them are Yury Grigorovich, Irek Mukhamedov, Vladimir Malakhov, Vadym Pysarev, Olivier Patey, Sakiko Arai, Jae Keun Park, Kang Sue-jin, Septime Webre, Mikko Nissinen, and numerous other figures of international renown, alongside distinguished representatives of Turkish ballet.
Proven Impact on International Careers
The competition’s reputation as a career catalyst is well documented. Prize-winning artists from recent editions now perform as principal dancers and soloists with leading companies worldwide, including the English National Ballet, Washington Ballet, Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Mikhailovsky Ballet Theatre, and the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.
Festival Dimension
Since 2014, the competition has been accompanied by a ballet festival, enriching the event with a week-long programme of performances and reinforcing its status as a major cultural occasion for both professionals and audiences. This expansion has further enhanced Istanbul’s standing as an international centre for classical dance.
Administrative and Artistic Director General of Turkish State Opera and Ballet
Bedri Tan SAĞTÜRK
Competition Artistic Director
Demet GÖKÇELİK
Competition Deputy Artistic Director and Administrative Coordinator
Armağan DAVRAN
Invitation to Apply
The International Istanbul Ballet Competition continues to affirm its mission: to nurture emerging talent, to elevate artistic standards, and to position Turkish ballet within the global cultural dialogue.
Young dancers with the discipline, ambition and artistic integrity to shape the future of classical ballet are invited to apply.
