Jiří Bubeníček
Internationally sought-after choreographer Jiří Bubeníček enjoyed enormous acclaim over his almost 25-year career as one of the world’s top ballet dancers. Musicality, athleticism, suppleness, an unparalleled technique and his instinctive sense of character turned him into an international star. During his time with the Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier created numerous roles for him, the most legendary being “Nijinsky”. Following his engagement from 1993-2006 (from 1997 as principal), Jiří Bubeníček went to Dresden to take up the position of principal with the Semperoper Ballet. There he performed countless choreographies by Petipa, Fokine, Balanchine, McMillan, Cranko, Kylián, Inger, Forsythe, Dawson, Celis and the Dresden ballet director Aaron S. Watkin until his departure in 2015. Guest appearances took him around the world. Particularly memorable were his engagements at the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris where he partnered the leading ballerinas of the age in the “Lady of the Camellias”. In 2002 he was awarded the “Benois de la Danse” for his interpretation of Armand. His many other prizes include the “Espèces” of the Prix de Lausanne or the Mary Wigman Prize bestowed by the Semperoper.
Jiří Bubeníček created his first choreographies back in 1999 in the midst of his dancing career. From short scenes to abstract pieces to full-length narrative ballets, his current oeuvre of over 70 works is impressively large.
He created new works for companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, Teatro di Roma, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tokyo City Ballet, New York City Ballet, State Vienna Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Semperoper Ballet in Dresden, Mariinsky Ballet Theater, North Carolina Dance Theatre in Charlotte in USA, for dancers from Opéra national de Paris, Croatian National Ballet in Zagreb, Croatian National Ballet Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, Nuovo Balletto di Toscana in Florence, Badisches State Theater in Karlsruhe, Dortmund Ballet, Slovenia National Theatre Opera and Ballet in Ljubljana, he was a choreographer for The Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert 2016 and many other companies around the globe.
In particular, Jiří Bubeníček has established an outstanding reputation as a choreographic storyteller: his successful productions include “Anita Berber – Goddess of the Night” (2016), “Doctor Zhivago” (2016), “The Piano” (2018), “The Trial” (2019), “Cinderella” (2019) or "Romeo and Juliet" (2022). Amongst his many honours, the choreographer was awarded the “Europa in Danza” for his version of “Carmen” (2019) or “Boris Papandopulo” award for „Romeo and Juliet“ for the best ballet performance in the 2021/22 season. And, of course, Jiří Bubeníček is a familiar face in the international media through TV and DVD productions of his choreographies as well as those featuring him as a dancer. In addition to founding a touring company “Les Ballets Bubeníček” to perform own choreographies, Jiří Bubeníček is also socially engaged, striving to build bridges between diverse cultures. For these efforts, he was awarded the “Silver Medal of the City of Prague” in 2017, a very special accolade from his home city.
Apart from being an accomplished dancer and choreographer, Jiří Bubeníček has made significant contributions to the dance world. As the visionary artistic director of the esteemed touring company "Les Ballets Bubeníček", he has curated captivating performances that showcase his own mesmerising choreographies, as well as collaborations with other renowned choreographers. Under his leadership, the company has embarked on numerous successful tours, gracing some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Tokyo's grand stages to renowned theatres across Europe.
Jiří Bubeníček holds a Master of Art in Dance Pedagogy from the prestigious Palucca University of Dance in Dresden. With a deep passion for teaching, he has been actively involved in sharing his expertise at numerous ballets schools and summer intensive programs. He takes great pleasure in nurturing and mentoring the next generation of young dancers, inspiring them to flourish in their artistic journey.
Notably, he has taken his dedication to dance education even further by establishing the esteemed "Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses" in collaboration with the renowned music Festival Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. This exceptional initiative brings together aspiring dancers and enthusiasts from around the world to immerse themselves in his enriching and transformative teachings. Through this remarkable partnership, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance, nurturing talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form.
Carmen
Carmen returns to Rome
The ballet "Carmen" will return to the repertoire of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. This full-length ballet, created by Jiří Bubeníček in 2019 for the company, will once again be performed by the ballet company under the leadership of artistic director Eleonora Abbagnato.
Carmen
Music by Bizet, De Falla, Albéniz, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Bonolis
Orchestrations by Gabriele Bonolis
Music Arrangement by Jiří Bubeníček with Gabriele Bonolis
Orchestra of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Choreography Jiří Bubeníček
Stage design Giovanni Carluccio
Costume designer Anna Biagiotti
Choreography assistent Arsen Mehrabyan
Zwischen den Welten
Ballet About the Life and Work of Rachmaninoff
"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music."
- Sergei Rachmaninoff
Czech choreographer Jiří Bubeníček and the Thuringian State Ballet will present an exciting new full length ballet based on the life of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. This upcoming production delves into the triumphs and struggles of the extraordinary composer, whose journey was shaped by early talent, deep personal challenges, and exile from his homeland.
Though Rachmaninoff never composed a ballet, his evocative music becomes the perfect medium for exploring his genius through dance. Following the success of "Anita Berber - Goddess of the Night," this new creation promises to bring Rachmaninoff’s story and soul to the stage in a powerful artistic tribute.
FESTIVE GALA EVENING FULL OF WORLD DANCE STARS
August 16 and 17, 2025
We are thrilled to announce the return of the "2nd edition of the Bubeníček International Ballet Gala"! This year, the event will take place in the stunning Theater Hybernia, located in the very heart of Prague.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as world-class dancers from prestigious European companies, including Tokyo City Ballet, Staatsbalett Berlin, Bayerisches Staatsballett, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and many others, come together under one roof. The gala will showcase a selection of Jiří Bubeníček's latest choreographies, bringing together the artistry and elegance of renowned international performers.
As well, participants of the Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses will have the extraordinary opportunity to share the stage with these exceptional talents, making the evening even more inspiring.
Mark your calendars for August 16 and 17, 2025, and stay tuned for more details about this prestigious celebration of dance, emotion, and pure artistry.
NEWS
Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses
August 6 - 17, 2025
Join us in the enchanting city of Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," for theBubeníček Ballet Masterclasses 2025. This year’s star teachers include the internationally acclaimed ballet teacher Yannick Boquin and Florence Clerc, former étoile and ballet master of the Paris Opera. Alongside these legends, the next generation of ballerinas and male ballet stars will also teach, sharing their stage experiences and representing the future of ballet.
Over 12 inspiring days, train with these world-renowned experts, all holding advanced degrees in dance pedagogy, and elevate your artistry while immersed in Prague’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Unleash your potential and celebrate the art of dance in this exceptional program!
As a grand finale, on August 16 and 17 2025, students will participate in the Bubeníček International Ballet Gala, performing Jiří Bubeníček's choreography, which they will learn during the masterclasses at the contempoprary repertoire workshop. This unforgettable evening at the Hybernia Theatre, in the heart of Prague's historic center, will allow students to dance alongside ballet stars in a celebration of talent and artistry.
LA STRADA
PREMIERE
"LA STRADA" a theatrical masterpiece, made its premiere to a standing ovation on March 10, 2024, at the Theater Vinohrady in Prague, featuring the Prague Chamber Ballet company. With dramaturgy by Jiří Bubeníček (choreography) and Nadina Cojocaru (costumes and set design), this production breathes life into Federico Fellini's iconic film, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
"La Strada" tells a poignant and tragic tale of love, adversity, and personal growth - a night of theatrical brilliance that resonates across time and emotions.
Passionate Carmen: Opera, Ballet – Closing Ceremony
Jiří Bubeníček Returns to Festival Krumlov with Carmen
Festival Krumlov 2025 is set to shine with a breathtaking performance of Bizet’s Carmen, featuring the return of Jiří Bubeníček as both choreographer and staging the entire show. This iconic story of love, passion, and destiny will be brought to life by a stellar cast, including Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů as the fiery Carmen, acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja making his festival debut as Don José, and baritone Svatopluk Sem.
Bubeníček’s captivating choreography will be performed by ballet soloists from the Rome Opera, adding depth and elegance to this operatic masterpiece. The Prague Philharmonia, under the baton of Tomáš Brauner, will deliver Bizet’s unforgettable melodies, combining rhythmic dances and powerful orchestration for an extraordinary evening.
This unique blend of opera and ballet promises to be a highlight of the summer, celebrating the timeless magic of Carmen with Jiří Bubeníček’s visionary artistry at its core. Don’t miss this unforgettable event at Festival Krumlov!