

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.
DOTEK ČASU
August 8, - August 9, 2026
V sobotu 8. srpna v 19.00 se na vás těšíme v DIVADLE NOVÁ SPIRÁLA!
Představení studentů Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses – DOTEK ČASU (a touch of time...) se uskuteční podle plánu a intenzivně se na něj připravujeme. Čeká vás večer plný talentu, energie a krásného tance, na který se moc těšíme.
Rádi bychom vás zároveň informovali, že plánované představení KNIHY BALETISTA PŘESOUVÁME z technických důvodů na JINÝ TERMÍN. O novém datu vás budeme včas informovat.
Teď je ale veškerá naše pozornost věnována studentům a jejich závěrečnému vystoupení. Přijďte je podpořit – věříme, že si Dotek času společně užijeme. Těšíme se na vás!
Le Corsaire
A brand-new production for NDKE
Jiří Bubeníček and his artistic team — stage designer Giovanni Carluccio and costume designer Nadina Cojocaru — will collaborate on a brand-new production of Le Corsaire for the National Ballet Košice in the Slovak Republic.
Jiří and Giovanni previously worked together on the acclaimed production of Carmen, created in 2019 for the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, which went on to enjoy great success, including a celebrated company tour in Paris. Nadina’s ability to capture the essence of traditional style while giving it a modern and imaginative touch has proven highly successful in numerous productions she has created with Jiří.
We are all delighted to be working together again with this vibrant and artistically driven company, as we prepare for the world premiere of Le Corsaire at the end of October 2026.
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
Doctor Zhivago returns to the repertoire
Premiered on 14 April 2016 and created The SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana, Slovenia, Doctor Zhivago became one of the most successful productions in our repertoire, running for eight years and captivating audiences with its powerful blend of epic storytelling and intimate emotion. Inspired by Boris Pasternak’s legendary novel, the ballet brings to the stage a timeless love story shaped by revolution, personal freedom, and human resilience.
Doctor Zhivago returns to the repertoire on FEBRUARY 25, 2026 and NOVEMBER 21, 2026.
Choreographer: Jiří Bubeníček
Stage adaptation: Jiří Bubeníček and Otto Bubeníček
Music: Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Rachmaninov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, Pēteris Vasks and Alfred Schnittke.
Stage design: Otto Bubeníček
Costume design: Elsa Pavanel
Lighting designer: Jaka Šimenc and Jiří Bubeníček
LA STRADA
NEW SEASON 26/27
LA STRADA continues to captivate audiences as a powerful theatrical masterpiece and remains a highlight of the Prague Chamber Ballet’s repertoire in the 2026/2027 season. Since its acclaimed premiere at the Vinohrady Theatre in Prague, the production has received enthusiastic praise for its emotional depth and artistic excellence.
With choreography by Jiří Bubeníček and dramaturgy, costume, and set design by Nadina Cojocaru, this adaptation brings Federico Fellini’s iconic film to life on stage, offering an unforgettable and deeply moving theatrical experience.
La Strada tells a poignant story of love, hardship, and personal transformation—a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences through its humanity, beauty, and emotional power.
Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses
July 27 - August 9, 2026
This year’s Masterclasses feature top teachers such as Jean-Guillaume Bart (Paris Opera), Arman Grigorian (Zurich Ballet), Juliane Mathis (Paris Opera Ballet), and other celebrated ballerinas.
The program concludes with a joint performance featuring YoY Performing Arts, live musicians, visual artists, and all Masterclass participants, presented in a Prague gallery (location TBA).
Students will train and perform alongside renowned artists, creating a new choreography under Jiří Bubeníček, Nikos Kalivas, and other esteemed mentors — showcasing everything from solo variations to group pieces in one unforgettable event.
FESTIVE GALA EVENING FULL OF WORLD DANCE STARS
JUNE 17 and 18, 2026
The 3rd edition of the Bubeníček International Ballet Gala was an outstanding success, taking place in the magnificent Music Theater Karlín in the heart of Prague. The gala brought together an exceptional lineup of international ballet stars, including Polina Semionova of Staatsballett Berlin, alongside artists from the Paris Opera Ballet, the Dutch National Ballet, and other leading companies.
Under the artistic direction of Jiří Bubeníček, the evening captivated audiences with extraordinary performances and world-class choreography, creating an unforgettable celebration of ballet that received an enthusiastic response from both the public and critics alike.





