The tenth Helsinki International Ballet Competition concluded on 5 June at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, bringing together 76 dancers from 14 countries for one of Europe’s most respected ballet competitions. Founded in 1984 by the celebrated Finnish ballerina and pedagogue Doris Laine, the Helsinki competition has become an important international platform for emerging artists and is held every four years.
Following nine days of competition, the prestigious Jane Erkko Grand Prix was awarded to Jaeseung Sung (South Korea), who competed in the Young Professionals category. The finals, held on 3 and 4 June, featured 24 dancers performing both classical repertoire and contemporary works before an international jury chaired by Javier Torres, Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet.
The highest distinction within each age category is the Doris Laine Prize, named after the competition’s founder. In 2026, the award went to Mikaela Cameron (USA) in the Junior category and Kenshin Kimura (Japan) in the Young Professionals category. No first prize was awarded in the Senior division.
Prize Winners
Jane Erkko Grand Prix
- Jaeseung Sung (South Korea)
Young Professionals
- Doris Laine Prize: Kenshin Kimura (Japan)
- Second Prize: Ayako Tsukada (Japan)
- Third Prize: Yujeong Kang (South Korea)
Seniors
- Second Prize: Chun Hung Yan (China)
- Third Prize: David Rathbun (USA)
- Third Prize: Evelyn Robinson (USA)
Juniors
- Doris Laine Prize: Mikaela Cameron (USA)
- Second Prize: Lily Kiyama (Japan/USA)
- Third Prize: Jiyoung In (South Korea)
- Third Prize: Annie Webb (USA)
Choreography Awards
- First Prize: Samuel Pereira (Portugal)
- Second Prize: Pinja Elonen (Finland)
- Third Prize: Julian Nicosia
Special Awards
- Audience Favourite Award: Anni Martinsén (Finland)
- Encouragement Award to a Promising Finnish Dancer: Pinja Elonen (Finland)
More information about the competition HERE
