The message reads, in part:
“The famous Moscow contest of ballet dancers and choreographers if rightly considered to be among the most prestigious creative forums in the world. It has lit up a whole constellation of new names in the past decades, gave a start in life to many gifted ballet dancers and choreographers. And today the renowned stage of the Bolshoi Theatre once again brings cultures closer, allows participants from different countries to display their mastery, to come in contact with the great traditions of the Russian ballet, and to obtain an invaluable professional experience.
The current competition is special as it is held in the year of 90th birthday of Yury Grigorovich, its artistic director and the main mastermind behind it, and ahead of the bicentenary celebrations of outstanding choreographer Marius Petipa.
I am sure the competition will be held in the festive and vibrant atmosphere, and will inspire the guests with an excellent show and the joy of seeing high art.”