MUSIC THEATRE KARLÍN
5 Pictures
June 17 and 18, 2025 at Music Theatre Karlín
Bubeníček International Ballet Gala
World Ballet Stars in the Heart of Prague
An Exceptional Artistic Evening at the Karlín Musical Theatre!
After two completely sold-out editions at the Vinohrady Theatre and Hybernia Theatre, the prestigious Bubeníček International Ballet Gala will be presented for the first time on the stage of the Karlín Musical Theatre on June 17 and 18, 2026.
One of the absolute “stars among stars” who has already confirmed her participation is Polina Semionova, one of the most acclaimed ballerinas of our time. This global icon, a long-time principal dancer of the Berlin State Opera, also regularly appears as a guest with the legendary American Ballet Theatre in New York, where she is among the most prominent figures of the international ballet elite.
DON’T MISS THIS UNIQUE EVENING OF WORLD BALLET FEATURING OUTSTANDING DANCERS AND SOME OF TODAY’S GREATEST STARS.
On a single stage, soloists from leading international companies will perform, including the Opéra National de Paris, Teatro alla Scala, Staatsballett Berlin, Slovenian National Opera, National Ballet Košice and others. The program will also feature the latest choreographies by Jiří Bubeníček, some of which will be presented in the Czech Republic for the very first time. The evening will be enhanced by live musical accompaniment, further heightening the exceptional atmosphere.
The evening’s program will also feature the renowned opera singer Ester Pavlů, a mezzo-soprano who regularly performs on opera stages around the world.
During the gala, festival awards will also be presented to promising young talents as well as to artists honored for their lifetime contribution to dance and theatre.
“It is a great honor for me to bring such prestigious dance stars to Prague. I want to present Czech audiences with the very best of world ballet.”
Jiří Bubeníček, Artistic Director of the project.
GUEST ARTISTS AND COMPANIES
BALLET STARS
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
Ester Pavlů
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
MARTIN TEN KORTENAAR - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
Ester Pavlů
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA WITH MARTIN TEN KORTENAAR - Staatsballett Berlin
POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
Polina POLINA SEMIONOVA - Staatsballett Berlin
MARTIN TEN KORTENAAR - Staatsballett Berlin
MARTIN TEN KORTENAAR - Staatsballett Berlin
MARTIN TEN KORTENAAR - Staatsballett Berlin
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
ALICE MARIANI - Teatro alla Scala
STAY TUNED — MORE INTERNATIONAL GUESTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Photo Nadina Cojocaru
Jiří Bubeníček
Founder of Bubeníček International Ballet Gala
Jiří Bubeníček, an internationally sought-after choreographer and one of the world's best ballet dancers, enjoyed enormous recognition during his almost twenty-five-year career. His musicality, athleticism, flexibility, unrivaled technique and instinctive sense of character made him an international star. During his time at the Hamburg Ballet, many roles were created for him, the most legendary of which is "Nijinsky". In 2006, he joined the Semperoper ballet company in Dresden as the first soloist, where he danced countless choreographies until his departure in 2015.
He has toured all over the world, most notably his engagement with the world-renowned Opéra national de Paris.
Jiří Bubeníček has been awarded many prestigious prizes, such as the "Benois de la Danse" for dance or the "Silver Medal" from the Municipality of the Capital City of Prague for promoting Prague throughout the world. He holds a "Master of Art" degree in dance pedagogy and actively shares his expertise through teaching. In 2023 he founded "Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses".
Video Trailer
Last Year's Bubeníček International Ballet Gala 2024
The Bubeníček International Ballet Gala 2025 was a resounding success, featuring an impressive lineup of 53 distinguished ballet guests. The two sold-out performances received glowing reviews, solidifying the event as the highlight of the year in the ballet world.
Official Youtube Channel
Jiří Bubeníček's choreographies
Jiří Bubeníček, M.A. 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. In particular, Jiří Bubeníček has established an outstanding reputation as a choreographic storyteller.
The Karlín Musical Theatre is one of the most important theatre stages in Prague. It was opened in 1881 in the Prague district of Karlín as a large representative theatre mainly focused on operetta. Originally, it was called Karlín Varieté and soon became a popular place of entertainment for the public.
During the 20th century, the theatre went through several changes and gradually focused on operettas, musical comedies, and musicals. After the Second World War, it received the name Karlín Musical Theatre and became one of the main stages for musical theatre in Czechoslovakia.
A major challenge came with the flood in 2002, which seriously damaged the building. The theatre underwent extensive reconstruction and was ceremonially reopened in 2006. Today, the Karlín Musical Theatre is one of the largest and most modern musical theatres in the Czech Republic and presents well-known Czech and international musicals.
Travel information
To reach Hudební divadlo Karlín from the main train station, it is approximately a 15–20 minute walk.
Alternatively, take Metro Line C (Red) from Praha hlavní nádraží and travel one stop to Florenc Metro Station. Exit the station and walk about 5 minutes to the theatre. The building is located on Křižíkova Street, near the Florenc metro and bus terminal.
