“A classical ballet class has never done anything like this before!” – remarked a man to the woman beside him as the audience burst into thunderous applause. The Hungarian Dance University’s classical ballet graduation performance at the Hungarian State Opera was not just an exam, but a moving celebration of years of dedication and artistry.
Photos by Pál Csillag
In her opening speech, Rector Fodor-Molnár Márta emphasized that the graduates have mastered not only classical ballet, their major subject, but also many other dance languages at a high level. The performance showcased this diversity: the first act featured excerpts from Le Corsaire by Riccardo Drigo and Marius Petipa, brought to life in a classical style on a stage designed as an abandoned palace courtyard, energized by the dancers’ presence.
The second act offered a contrast of classical and modern pieces, blending technical excellence with emotional expression. The audience glimpsed fragments of personal stories as if the dancers were moving through their own memories and feelings—turning the performance into an intimate, soulful experience.
The highlight came in the third act: the world premiere of Eternal Cycle (Örök körforgás), a choreography by Lukács András, created especially for this graduating class. The Harangozó Gyula Prize-winning choreographer orchestrated an emotionally resonant piece where dancers moved like webs—fragile, yet strong. Their unity overcame all challenges, and the performance built to a cathartic peak.
The applause that followed was not just for technique, but for the dedication, humility, and passion that radiated from the stage. As Volf Katalin, Kossuth Prize laureate and class head, said tearfully: “The children showed their best side… It’s over now, there’s so much emotion and tension—but I think it was a great performance.”
Backstage, celebration was underway: the graduates and their teachers toasted with non-alcoholic drinks. This final shared performance marked the end of an era. For weeks, especially the last two, the students had been preparing with heightened intensity. As Volf noted, “This is the hardest exam, because it truly matters—not only professionally, but as a human challenge.”
Now, the journey continues on stages and in studios worldwide, facing hard floors and tougher criticism. “They must walk their own paths and take their own hits,” Volf reflected. “All I can do is be here, love them, and offer a shoulder to cry on.”
The concept for the exam was co-designed by Túri Sándor, Volf’s fellow class head and university lecturer. Their goal was to showcase all graduates equally. Lukács was secured for the project 18 months prior by Volf, who later admitted with emotion: “I didn’t expect such a wonderful production.”
This performance wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was both farewell and initiation. A new life begins now.
Graduates: Lili Bank, Ágoston Bárány, Felix Boboi, You-Rou Chiang, Thalia Egerházi, Ryo Ishii, Patrik Knausz, Julia Precup, Sakurako Hommochi, Yuma Shimizu, Rozina Szabó, Dóra Szepsi, Ezgi Toydemir, Mariia Yurchenko, Yi Di Zhang.
Class leaders: Katalin Volf and Sándor Túri.
