Mongolia is hosting the First International Ballet Competition in which 80 children and young people from seven countries are participating. The competition started  in Ulaanbaatar on 30 May under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports. A gala concert of the First International Ballet Festival will take place tomorrow (1 June) in the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet.

The winner of the Grand-Prix will receive a cash prize of USD 4250, the gold medalist – USD 1500, the silver medalist – USD 1000 and the bronze medalist – USD 800.

The panel of judges includes Hero of Labour of Mongolia, People’s Artist and State Prize Laureate B.Jamiyandagva and other famous international judges from China, the Russian Federation, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Germany.

State Honoured Artist D.Altankhuyag, who is the founder of the Mongolian Ballet Development Foundation, highlighted that such a ballet competition is a comprehensive training in itself, enabling the participants to develop their skills and exchange experience. It is important for the participants to show off their skills to big world dance companies and make their names known; this makes it easier for them to receive work offers from these companies in the future.

The International Ballet Competition is to be organised biennially in Mongolia.