On July 13, the awards ceremony and gala performance for the 4th Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition—co-hosted by Beijing Tianqiao Theatre Co., Ltd. and the Beijing Huanyu Ballet Art Center, with the China National Ballet serving as the guiding organization—was grandly held at Tianqiao Theatre. The event was simultaneously livestreamed on the China National Ballet’s Douyin account and the National Public Culture Cloud platform.

Launched in 2022, the Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition has now successfully reached its fourth edition. This competition, which embodies the dreams and passion of countless young dancers, has become a dazzling highlight in the ballet world.

At the awards ceremony, Feng Ying, Chair of the Judging Panel for the Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition, Director and Artistic Director of the Central Ballet Troupe, and Principal of the Central Ballet Troupe Dance School, delivered the opening remarks and extended her best wishes to all the contestants: “First, on behalf of all the judges, please allow me to extend our warmest congratulations to all the contestants! In this competition, we were delighted to witness the children’s brilliant performances on stage. In particular, their simplicity and innocence, along with their passion for ballet and their dedication, brought us immense joy and moved us deeply. Tonight’s glory belongs to you. May this dazzling evening serve as a new starting point for your wonderful lives. I wish you continued success in surpassing yourselves and creating an even brighter future!”

On the night of the performance, the hosts were Mengchu Meladnov, a teacher at the Central Ballet School, and Yan Mengxuan, an outstanding young dancer with the Central Ballet Company.

Meanwhile, Yan Mengxuan, as the first-prize winner of the Professional Group A category at the inaugural Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition, now stands on this familiar stage as a host to witness the glorious moments of this new generation of outstanding contestants. This serves as the most vivid testament to her journey in pursuit of her dreams. She and the many contestants who harbor dreams of ballet have always walked hand in hand and grown together on this path of passion.

The gala, which was simultaneously live-streamed on the Central Ballet Troupe’s Douyin account and the National Public Culture Cloud Platform, was hosted by Cao Shuci—a judge for this year’s competition—and Yu Bo, who led the masterclass for the Beijing preliminary round. They also shared behind-the-scenes insights about the competition online, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the warmth and strength behind this grand ballet event.

△ Feng Ying, Director and Artistic Director of the Central Ballet Troupe and Principal of the Central Ballet Troupe Dance School, presented awards to the contestants

△ Zhang Jian, Deputy Director of the Central Ballet Troupe, Vice Principal of the Central Ballet Troupe Dance School, and Principal Dancer, presented awards to the contestants.

△ Kenta Kura, principal of the K Ballet School in Japan, presents awards to the contestants

△Peggy Dussault, a former dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet, international dance instructor, and psychological counselor, presented awards to the contestants

△ Wu Jie, Secretary of the Party General Branch and Principal of the Dance School Affiliated with the Shanghai Theatre Academy, Vice Chairperson of the Shanghai Dance Association, and First-Class Performer, presented awards to the contestants.

△ Ms. Zou Zhirui, professor at the Beijing Dance Academy and former head of the Ballet Department, as well as Chair of the 2025 United Nations World Ballet Congress, presented awards to the contestants.

△Cao Shuci, a rehearsal director at the Central Ballet Company and former principal dancer and First-Class Performer of the company, presented awards to the contestants.

As the lights dimmed, the awards ceremony officially began—the most exciting moment of the entire evening.

Feng Ying, chair of the judging panel, along with panel members Zhang Jian, Kenta Kura, Peggy Dussault, Wu Jie, Zou Zhirui, and Cao Shuci, presented medals and certificates to the winners.

Launched at the beginning of the year, this competition spanned multiple regional rounds, with over 400 contestants ultimately advancing to the finals, where 145 participants were honored with awards.

The contestants’ stories of dreams, written through hard work and perseverance, have become a highlight in the history of the Ailian Competition. Their spirit of pursuing and chasing their dreams continues to inspire more young ballet enthusiasts to move forward with determination.

“Prayer for Spring Lanterns”

Performers: Cai Yichen, Dong Yixuan, Li Qintong, Liu Chang

Qin Qiyue, Sun Zhizhi, Wang Mindar, Wu Ruihan, Yang Yinuo

Zhang Yunxi, Yang Ruolin, Yang Yichen

“The Dolls”

Performers: Liu Anzhi, Jiang Luoning

“Rabbit Drummer”

Performer: Guo Yimo

Diana and Acteon - Female Variation

Performer: Guo Siqi

La Fille Mal Gardee - Female Variation

Performer: Olivia Liu

Talisman - Female Variation

Performer: Bai Beichen

The Flames of Paris - Male Variation (Guest)

Performer: Zhang Yicheng (Trainee with the Central Ballet Company; First Prize Winner of the 2024 AYGP)

Tracer

Performer: Yu Yan

Drink Tea

Cast: Wan Wangshu, Zhou Mi'er, Li Wanqian

Be Yourself, Through A Clown

Performers: Zhu Yuxuan, Qian Yuehan, Xu Jiayue, Zheng Hao

Tao Chengqi, Li Miaohan, Wu Yutong, Yu Shuyao, Wang Yutong, Yang Jian

The Sleeping Beauty - Female Variation

Performer: Wang Qingxuan

Don Quixote - Female Variation

Performer: Yu Lishi

Nobody Here

Performer: Cao Yufei

During the subsequent gala, representatives of the award-winning contestants performed a variety of精彩 excerpts from classical ballet productions, as well as a rich array of modern works—some lively and playful, others profound and lingering, and still others elegant and majestic—leaving the audience spellbound.

The gala also featured a special performance by Zhao Xinyue, a principal dancer with the Central Ballet Company, and Zhao Baole, a dancer with the Central Ballet Company and the 2022 AYGP First Prize winner, who presented a distinctive duet from *Le Corsaire*. Zhang Yicheng, the 2024 AYGP First Prize winner, also performed the passionate, moving, and exuberant male variation from *Les Flammes de Paris*, filling the stage with the vibrant energy of youth.

On the stage of the Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition, past and present award winners perform side by side, using their bodies and the works to showcase their passion and dedication to ballet.

Now in its fourth edition, the Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition has witnessed the emergence of new ballet stars in every edition. Every leap on stage is a heartfelt tribute to the art form. We believe that every contestant will carry the inspiration and dedication gained from this competition forward as they step onto bigger stages and embark on broader life journeys in the future.

As Director Feng Ying stated: “The mission of the Ailian International Youth Ballet Competition is not only to help children learn to persevere in the face of difficulties and challenges, but more importantly, to pay tribute to China’s first generation of pioneering artists, while ensuring that this passion for and unwavering pursuit of ballet is passed down from generation to generation.”