Two eighth-year students of the Hungarian Dance University, Karen Satomura and Sora Sudo, participated in one of the world’s most prestigious ballet events, the 2026 Helsinki International Ballet Competition (HIBC). The participants from the Hungarian Dance University were accompanied by ballet master Tamara Szilágyi. Among them, Sora Sudo achieved a significant professional success by advancing to the final round of the competition held in the Finnish capital.
The 10th Helsinki International Ballet Competition, organized by the Finnish National Opera and Ballet and the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association, welcomed 76 dancers from 14 countries. Founded in 1984 by prima ballerina and professor Doris Laine, the Helsinki International Ballet Competition is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and largest ballet competitions. The previous edition of the event was held in 2022.
For the 2026 competition, held between May 28 and June 5, participants were invited only after a rigorous selection process. Therefore, it was already a significant achievement that two eighth-year students of the Hungarian Dance University received invitations to take part in this prestigious competition.
The dancers competed in three categories and across three rounds. The categories were: juniors (ages 15–18), young professionals (ages 19–21), and seniors (ages 22–25). The competition did not have separate female and male categories. The jury selected 24 young dancers for the final rounds, with 8 dancers chosen in each category. The international jury included distinguished artists and company directors such as Julie Kent, Anna Pavlovic, Nina Ananiashvilli, Mario Radacovsky, Joan Boada, Ogulcan Borova, and Javier Torres.
“I am proud to have accompanied and supported Karen Satomura and Sora Sudo at the 2026 Helsinki International Ballet Competition,” said ballet master Tamara Szilágyi. “I felt that they represented our University in Helsinki with outstanding professional knowledge and dedication. They competed in two different categories: Sora Sudo in the junior category, and Karen Satomura among the Young Professionals. In the first round, competitors had to perform two classical variations. The difference between the categories was already evident at this stage, with the Young Professionals category proving to be the strongest. Unfortunately, Karen did not advance to the semi-finals, but she performed beautifully and at the high standard expected of her. Sora reached the final, where she had the opportunity to present herself through four classical variations and two contemporary choreographies, and she was also invited to perform at the awards gala. Both girls showed fantastic concentration and commitment throughout the competition and performed to the best of their abilities.”
The participants noted that the team responsible for organizing and managing the competition worked at an exceptionally high standard throughout the event.
“From the daily studio and stage rehearsal schedules to the closing party, everything ran smoothly, and the experience built up over several decades was clearly evident,” Tamara Szilágyi confirmed. “They provided every possible support to ensure that the dancers could bring out their best performance at the right moment. From physiotherapists and massage therapists to mental health professionals and varied lunch options, every detail was carefully considered. The exercises and masterclasses were led by the masters and artists of the Finnish National Ballet, and the dancers could choose from classes with different teachers and at various times depending on their rehearsal and competition schedules.”
Overall, the talented students of the Hungarian Dance University had the opportunity to participate in a competition of an exceptionally high standard.
Congratulations to Karen Satomura and Sora Sudo, as well as to their ballet masters Angéla Kövessy, Noémi Kulcsár, Kitti Hajszán, and Attila Kalmár! Their tireless work has been essential to the girls’ success. Special congratulations also go to Tamara Szilágyi, who stood by Karen and Sora throughout every moment of this important event.
