WHO WE ARE

It all began in 1996 with the inaugural national Ballet and Contemporary Dance Competition in Vienna, organised by the Austrian Dance Council (ÖTR) under the leadership of Prof. Karl Musil and Prof. Evelyn Téri. What started as a national initiative quickly grew into a distinguished international event, launching the careers of acclaimed dancers such as Jana Salenko, Dinu Tamazlacaru, Nina Poláková, Liudmila Konovalova, Roman Lazik, Mihail Sosnovschi, Jakob Feyferlik, and Daniil Simkin.

The competition was held in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2007, with the aim of revitalising professional dance in Vienna and throughout Austria.

In 2013, the EuDance Association, led by President Sophia Li, assumed responsibility for the event, relaunching it under the name WienWeltWettbewerb. Competitions followed in 2014, 2019, and 2021, cementing its reputation as a prestigious European platform for young dancers. The 2021 edition - shaped by the global pandemic - was staged online for the first time, marking a new chapter with the rebranding to Ballet Grand Prix Vienna.

Guided by the artistic expertise of Prof. Karl Musil and Prof. Evelyn Téri, the Ballet Grand Prix Vienna has since evolved into a vibrant international platform for cultural exchange and artistic development. Beyond the competition itself, the event offers masterclasses and workshops led by renowned figures such as world ballet star Vladimir Malakhov. Each edition culminates in a gala performance, bringing together prize-winners and celebrated guest artists from around the world.

The Ballet Grand Prix Vienna is dedicated to promoting artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and public engagement. It provides exceptional opportunities for both students and professionals to refine their artistry and learn from leading international mentors.

As Prof. Karl Musil expressed in 2007:
„Wie erhebend – noch junge Menschen mit Einsatz, Fantasie und uneingeschränkter Liebe zum Tanz auf der Bühne sehen zu dürfen!“
(“How uplifting it is to see young people on stage with dedication, imagination, and an unconditional love of dance!”)

Since 2025, the Ballet Grand Prix Vienna has partnered with the Austrian Dance Council (Österreichischer Tanzrat) to expand its activities, including annual summer workshops alongside the competition, ensuring that Vienna continues to flourish as a centre of dance education and performance.

Sophia Li
Executive Director