PROGRAM BOOK
Dear Guests,
After two sold-out gala evenings last year at the Vinohrady Theatre, I am truly delighted to meet you once again – this time in the beautiful surroundings of the Hybernia Theatre – for another edition of the Bubeníček International Ballet Gala.
It is a great honour to welcome you to Prague, a city that holds a special place in my heart. It is here that I first danced as a child, studied at the Dance Conservatory, and began my artistic journey – both in my career and in life. And it is here that I now have the privilege of sharing with you what I love most: dance, music, and the arts in all their forms.
This year, too, we have succeeded in bringing together true stars of the ballet world to offer you a programme I consider exceptional. But before I briefly introduce it, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to you, dear audience.
This performance takes place entirely without public funding or sponsorship – it is financed solely from private resources. And yet – or perhaps precisely because of this – tonight is possible only thanks to you. Your presence and your tickets are the greatest support an artist can wish for. Thank you for your loyalty, your trust, and your love for dance. Your participation is invaluable to us. I believe you will enjoy this evening filled with artistic passion and extraordinary performances to the fullest.
My thanks also go to the entire management of the Hybernia Theatre and every member of the technical team, whose dedication has helped make this celebration possible. Thanks to them, the backstage of this historic theatre has been transformed into a space where every light, every movement, and every musical note can truly come alive.
A special thank-you goes to Johana Mravcová – not only for her outstanding production work, but also for her tireless energy and commitment in promoting the evening. Without people who believe in the power of art and give it the space to grow, projects like this could never come to life.
My warmest thanks are reserved for my wife, Nadine Cojocaru Bubeníček. She is not only my support and advisor, but above all my inspiration. She shares with me a love for dance and choreography, is my critical eye and calm voice, encouraging me through every new challenge. Thank you for your love, trust, patience, and the tenderness that accompanies me not only in art, but in life.
Tonight’s programme will feature twenty-five exceptional artists from around the globe. Many of them are stars of the world’s most prestigious stages – principal dancers, étoiles, and award-winners – but above all, they are people who pour their souls into every movement.
You will see, for example, Spring and Fall by John Neumeier, performed by Alexandr Trusch and Olivia Betteridge – soloists of the renowned Hamburg Ballet, where I had the honour of performing as a principal dancer for thirteen years, creating many unforgettable roles.
You will also enjoy an excerpt from my ballet Carmen, danced by étoile Rebecca Bianchi from the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and the charismatic Javier Rojas, winner of Italy’s Amici competition. The full-length Carmen premiered in 2019 and was recorded by RAI 5 television.
Another highlight will be excerpts from my new choreography Cyrano de Bergerac, performed by Shoma Ogasawara, principal dancer of the National Theatre Brno, and soloist Anna Yeh. Their exceptional stage partnership will be accompanied by soprano Romana Kružíková and a chamber baroque orchestra, creating a unique dialogue between voice, movement, and music.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments will undoubtedly be the performance by Japan’s Tokyo City Ballet, with whom I have collaborated three times before. Thanks to the generosity of artistic director Etsuko Adachi Ichikawa, the company has been brought to Europe for the first time – and their European debut takes place here tonight, in Prague. They will perform my choreography L’heure bleue, which I have expanded and adapted especially for them.
I believe that this evening will bring you not only powerful artistic experiences, but also peace, hope, and inspiration. In every era – and perhaps now more than ever – art plays an essential role. It unites us regardless of language, origin, or faith. Art does not explain; it is experienced. And dance, unfolding before your very eyes in the present moment, has a power beyond words.
I believe the present moment is the key. In it, fear fades, boundaries disappear, and what remains is most precious: love, goodness, justice, truth, and peace. Dance helps us rediscover these values within ourselves and brings us back to what matters most – our own soul.
Thank you for being here with us tonight, for seeing, listening, and sharing in every movement, every note, and every silence. Your presence is our greatest reward. I am deeply honoured that you have chosen to be part of this evening.
With respect and gratitude,
Jiří Bubeníček, M.A.
Jiří Bubeníček M.A.
Photo Nadina Cojocaru
Choreographer
Artistic director of
Les Ballets Bubeníček
Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses
Former Principal Dancer with Semperoper Ballet and Hamburg Ballet
Master of Arts Dance Pedagogy Degree
at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden
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 honors, the choreographer was awarded the “Europa in Danza” for his version of “Carmen” (2019) or the “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 his 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 ballet 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.
CAST
CHOREOGRAPHER AND FOUNDER
BUBENÍČEK INTERNATIONAL BALLET GALA
Jiří Bubeníček, M.A.
1ST PART
GUESTS
STAATSBALLETT BERLIN
Former Principal Dancer Ksenia Ovsyanick
Principal Dancer David Motta Soares
BAYERISCHES STAATSBALLETT
Principal Dancer Osiel Gouneo
Principal Dancer Maria Baranova
HAMBURG BALLETT
Principal Dancer Alexandr Trusch
Soloist Olivia Betteridge
TEATRO DELL'OPERA DI ROMA
Principal Dancer Rebecca Bianchi
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Star Dancer Javier Roja
NATIONAL THEATRE IN BRNO
Soloist Anna Yeh
Principal Dancer Shoma Ogasawara
MUSICIANS
Romana Kružíková - Soprano
Adam Trunečka - Baroque guitar
Michal Rajtmajer - Cello
David Hernych - Violin
Ondřej Bernovský - Harpsichord
ACTOR
Jakub Svojanovský - Actor
INTERMISSION/PŘESTÁVKA
2ND PART
GUESTS
TOKYO CITY BALLET
Artistic Directress
ETSUKO ADACHI
Ballet Assistent
Miwa Nagasawa
Principals and Soloists
Hiromi Oka, Honoka Ueda, Yuuna Orihara, Azusa Ishizuka, Mone Okada,
Koumei Okada, Yuto Mutai, Ryo Yoshidome, Takahiro Hayashi and Kenta Fukuda
PROGRAM OF THE GALA EVENING
PART I
Pas de deux from Ballet
“SPRING AND FALL”
Premiere Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Geneva, October 10, 1994
Music: Antonín Dvorák
Choreography and Costume Design: John Neumeier
Dancers: Alexandr Trusch and Olivia Betteridge
Excerpts from Ballet from Act I.
“CYRANO DE BERGERAC”
Premiere: Janáček Theatre, Brno, September 27, 2024
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Costume Design: Nadina Bubeníček Cojocaru
Cyrano de Bergerac: Shoma Ogasawara
Roxana: Anna Yeh
Excerpts from Ballet
“CARMEN”
Premiere: Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Rome, February 2, 2019
Music: Georges Bizet
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Costume Design: Anna Biagiotti
Carmen: Rebecca Bianchi
Don José: Javier Rojas
Pas de deux from Ballet
“DON QUIXOTE”
Premiere: Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, December 14, 1869
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Maria Baranova and David Motta Soares
Excerpts from Ballet from Act II.
“CYRANO DE BERGERAC”
Premiere: Janáček Theatre, Brno, September 27, 2024
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Costume Design: Nadina Bubeníček Cojocaru
Cyrano de Bergerac: Shoma Ogasawara
Roxana: Anna Yeh
MUSICIANS
Soprano: Romana Kružíková
Actor: Jakub Svojanovský
Chamber Orchestra: Adam Trunečka, Michal Rajtmajer, David Hernych and Ondřej Bernovský
Solo from Ballet
“LES BOURGEOIS”
Premiere: Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, 2003
Music: Jacques Brel
Choreography: Ben Van Cauwenbergh
Dancer: Javier Rojas
Pas de deux from Ballet
“LE CORSAIRE”
Premiere: Théâtre Impérial de l’Opéra, Paris, January 23, 1856
and Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg, mid 19 Century
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Ksenia Ovsyanick and Osiel Gouneo
INTERMISSION: 20min
PART II
Excerpts from Ballet
“LE SOUFFLÉ DE L’ESPRIT”
Original Premiere: Zurich Opera House, Zurich, September 1, 2007
Premiere: Adapted for students of Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses, August 16 and 17, 2025
Music: Johann Pachelbel
Choreography and Video Projection: Jiří Bubeníček
Costume Design: Nadina Bubeníček Cojocaru
Dancers: Students of Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses
One Act Ballet
“L’HEURE BLEUE”
Premiere: Knight Theatre, Charlotte, USA, April 25, 2013
Premiere: Prolongation of the piece created for Tokyo City Ballet, Japan, January 30, 2016
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Scenography and Costumes Design: Otto Bubeníček
Cast
Hiromi Oka
Koumei Okada, Yuto Mutai
Ryo Yoshidome
Honoka Ueda, Yuuna Orihara, Azusa Ishizuka, Mone Okada
Takahiro Hayashi and Kenta Fukuda
CYRANO DE BERGERAC
The story of Cyrano de Bergerac has accompanied me for many years. When the National Ballet in Brno approached me with the offer to create a new ballet, Cyrano was the very first idea that came to mind. I was fascinated by the depth of his character—a brilliant swordsman, a fearless hero, and at the same time a sensitive poet who hides his love behind wit and pride. This inner conflict, along with the intense emotions of the love triangle between Roxane, Christian, and Cyrano, offered me a rich canvas for a dance interpretation.
I stayed true to the original story and kept the plot in its historical setting. The costumes and set evoke the romantic period—not as a strict reconstruction, but as a stylized artistic impression. Together with my wife, Nadina Bubeníček Cojocaru, who designed the costumes, and my brother, Otto Bubeníček, who created the set, we shaped a unified and visually striking world. We chose Baroque music—including works by Bach and Lully—performed live by the orchestra under the baton of Jakub Klecker. We also incorporated an actor, who recites adapted verses from Rostand’s play, further enriching the storytelling.
Each scene is a self-contained dance tableau, carefully crafted to convey emotion, intention, and narrative thread. I worked closely with the dancers, tailoring the choreography to their individual personalities and focusing on both technique and expression. My aim is for the audience not only to appreciate the beauty of movement but also to experience the inner worlds of the characters.
For me, storytelling lies at the very heart of the art of dance. And although tonight you will see only two short excerpts, I hope you will still connect with Cyrano’s passion, vulnerability, and courage—just as deeply as we felt them during the creation of this full-length ballet.
CARMEN
Creating Carmen was, for me, a journey of rediscovery. I deliberately avoided looking back at any previous ballet or opera interpretations of this story. Instead, I returned to the original source—Prosper Mérimée’s novella. His vivid descriptions inspired me to focus on details often overlooked in ballet adaptations—such as the sweltering, sensual atmosphere of a cigar factory on a hot summer’s day, filled with hundreds of working women. I was also strongly drawn to the variety of settings: the dark forests where the gypsies hide, and the lively port of Gibraltar in southern Spain. These images became the foundation for the ballet’s visual world.
My Carmen is untamed and free—a true force of nature. She is like a wild horse, guided only by her own instincts. When Don José begs her to settle down, she responds with even greater defiance. She is a beautiful, proud, and strong gypsy woman, full of life, passion, and fire.
This new full-length, two-act production combines not only Georges Bizet’s iconic music, but also works by Isaac Albéniz, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and Manuel de Falla, masterfully orchestrated and arranged by Gabriel Bonolis. The production amplifies the sensuality, drama, and raw emotion of the original story—and even brings to the stage a life-sized puppet of a horse.
Tonight, you will see an excerpt from a duet with Rebecca Bianchi, whose artistry inspired the creation of Carmen in Rome for the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in 2019. Partnering her as Don José is Javier Rojas, who performed this role in the revival premiere in January 2025. I trust you will feel the passion and strength that we poured into this work.
2025 Photos © Fabrizio Sansoni
L’HEURE BLEUE
L’heure bleue, or the “blue hour,” is that fleeting moment when it is neither day nor morning, neither evening nor night – a time between light and darkness when a gentle, magical atmosphere settles over the city. It was this special moment that inspired me during my time working in Paris. I often guested and danced with the Paris Opera, living near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where I had many opportunities to witness this blue hour. It was a moment when the world seemed to slow down, and reality began to merge with a dream.
During one visit to the Louvre and other museums, I found myself lingering before baroque paintings. I admired their magnificent frames and the painterly details, but what fascinated me most was the thought that these figures had once been real people. I wondered what they had been thinking, what relationships they had shared. What would happen if they stepped out of the paintings? Would I discover that the two men loved the same woman? That they were ready to fight for her? Or that an entirely different story bound them together?
From this reflection, the idea for a ballet was born – a story imagined, yet inspired by real people and by that blue hour when dreams become part of reality. Once, it was truth; today, we can only dream of it.
I paired the story with exquisite baroque music and set it in the world of the baroque era. The choreography was first created in the United States for Charlotte Ballet (formerly North Carolina Dance Theater), where it was met with great success – in part because it carried a touch of subtle Czech humor. Later, in Lausanne, I met Mrs. Etsuko Adachi, Director of Tokyo City Ballet, who invited me to create a longer version. I traveled to Japan, where a one-act ballet was born and warmly embraced by local audiences.
It premiered in 2016, with a revival in 2023 and another in 2024. The work was filmed by Japan’s NHK television and broadcast nationwide. And so, a story inspired by a fleeting moment in Paris began its journey around the world.
PRAGUE ON POINT
An Invitation to Support Prague’s First International Ballet and Dance Festival
It is with great enthusiasm that we share our plans for the year ahead.
Our vision is to expand the existing Bubeníček International Ballet Gala and, together with Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses and other inspiring projects, create the very first ballet festival in Prague.
The new festival, PRAGUE ON POINT, will bring together leading dance companies and award-winning artists from the Czech Republic and abroad, creating a prestigious celebration of ballet and dance for audiences in Prague and across the country.
By supporting PRAGUE ON POINT, you will help us:
- strengthen international artistic collaboration,
- promote world-class artistic creation,
- nurture and support young talent.
Your sponsorship will have a real impact: it will allow us to invite principal dancers from top international companies, provide scholarships for talented young dancers to attend masterclasses, and offer the public high-calibre performances that bring the magic of ballet to a wide audience.
As a token of our appreciation, sponsors will be prominently acknowledged in the festival programme, on our website, and across all promotional materials. In addition, we offer opportunities to receive VIP tickets, backstage access, invitations to rehearsals and dress rehearsals, and exclusive networking with world-class artists. We are also happy to prepare a bespoke sponsorship package tailored to your needs and vision.
This is a unique opportunity to become a founding supporter of Prague’s first-ever ballet and dance festival, helping to shape the cultural history of our city. Whether your contribution is large or small, you will help us stage extraordinary performances, support the next generation of dancers, and share the beauty of ballet with the widest possible audience.
We understand that supporting the arts is a personal choice, and we are deeply grateful for any form of help. If you are unable to contribute at this time, we thank you for your interest and hope you will keep PRAGUE ON POINT in mind for the future.
Thank you for your time, generosity, and belief in our vision. We look forward to sharing every important step toward making this exceptional festival a reality with you.
With gratitude,
Jiří Bubeníček, M.A.
PARTNERSKÝ PROGRAM
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Join Ballet Festival and support the creation of unique artistic projects. Choose your level of support and enjoy exclusive benefits that will bring you closer to the world of dance and behind-the-scenes theatre life.
Basic Benefits Package
- Welcome package (certificate, inclusion in the list of donors, and acknowledgment on the website)
- Invitations to selected events – e.g., dress rehearsals, backstage tours, meetings with artists, and more
- 1 complimentary ticket to all public dress rehearsals
- Donation receipt for tax purposes
SUPPORTER
Any contribution
Acknowledgment on the website and inclusion of your name in the programme
FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL
From CZK 2,500 per year
Basic Benefits Package
DONOR
From CZK 5,000 per year
Basic Benefits Package
Invitations to selected press conferences
2 complimentary tickets to public dress rehearsals
Poster or photograph with autograph as a keepsake
PATRON
From CZK 10,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
20% discount on 2 first-category tickets for festival premieres + free programme
Festival news and updates by email
BENEFACTOR
From CZK 25,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
20% discount on 2 first-category tickets for premieres + invitation to a glass of wine with the creative team
Exclusive pre-sale access to tickets
Invitation to the festival’s closing ceremony
BRONZE BENEFACTOR
From CZK 50,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
Logo placement on the website and promotional materials
Insertion of a promotional card in the programme for productions
Access to the lounge during intervals at premieres
Option to target support for a specific project
Private tour of the theatre stage
SILVER BENEFACTOR
From CZK 100,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
Logo on the website and space for your own advertisement in the programme
Placement of promotional materials and roll-up banner at performances
Once per season: breakfast with the artists
Opportunity to attend a rehearsal during the creative process
Once per season: exclusive “Behind the Curtain” experience for you and your guests
GOLD BENEFACTOR
From CZK 250,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
Two complimentary tickets to all National Theatre premieres + invitation to the lounge and meeting with the creative team
Two complimentary tickets to performances by guest international companies and gala evenings
Once per year: VIP evening of your choice – tickets, on-stage photo, and private toast in a prestigious setting
DIAMOND BENEFACTOR
From CZK 500,000 per year
All benefits from the previous categories
Complete “Production All-Inclusive” experience – from rehearsals to the premiere
Once per year: private dinner or lunch (upon request)
Once per year: “Super Exclusive Evening” – VIP tickets, private toast, personalised theatre tour, and meeting with the artists
Kontakty a platba
Interested in becoming a member? Write to us byemail.
Les Ballets Bubeníček s.r.o.
Company ID: 05306931 | VAT ID: CZ05306931
File No.: C 261601/MSPH, Municipal Court in Prague
Bankovní převod
TRANSFER IN KČ / CZK:
| Account’s name: | Les Ballets Bubenicek s.r.o. |
| Bank's name: | Česká spořitelna, a. s. |
| Bank's address: | Mírové náměstí 2/5 |
| City and yip code: | Ústí nad Labem, 40001 |
| Account No.: | 4313915349 / 0800 |
| Message for recipient: | package type, donor name |
BANK TRANSFER
TRANSFER IN EUR):
| Account’s name: | Les Ballets Bubenicek s.r.o |
| Bank's name: | Ceska sporitelna, a.s. |
| Bank's address: | Olbrachtova 1929/62 |
| City and yip code: | 140 00 Praha |
| IBAN: | CZ96 08000000002205522223 |
| BIC / SWIFT: | GIBACZPX XXX |
| Message for recipient | package type, donor name |
Program book © Otto Bubeníček | Text Jiří Bubeníček
Program Book 2025
Czech (print) Version
POSTER © Otto Bubeníček | Modified Jiří Bubeníček
POSTER PDF
Bubeníček International Ballet Gala 2025