In 2026, the first masterclass at the Hungarian Dance University (HDU) was held by Lienz Chang, ballet master of the National Opera in Bordeaux. He held a masterclass for the internationally renowned master conducted classes on January 23–24 for the sixth-, seventh- and ninth-year students at the Department of Classical Ballet.
In addition, he observed pas de deux and repertoire classes, offering professional advice to both students and ballet masters. At the university, he was welcomed and given a tour by Zoltán Oláh, university professor and ballet master, and Tamás Csizmadia, ballet master and Director of Arts Management.
Lienz Chang began his career with the Cuban National Ballet, where he built a distinguished career over seven years as a principal dancer and partner of Alicia Alonso. Among his masters were, among others, Loipa Araujo, Laura Alonso, Maria Elena Fernandez, Yolanda Domínguez, Karemia Moreno, Jorge Esquivel, Lázaro Carreño, Pablo Moret, Orlando Salgado, Raymond Franchetti, Michael Denard, Azari Plisetsky, and Norbert Schmucky.
Márta Fodorné Molnár the rector of the HDU and Lienz Chang (phtos by Tamás Csizmadia)
When we asked Lienz Chang about his days at the university, he said that he had a wonderful time in Budapest.
„First of all, I would like to thank the university, and especially Gyula Harangozó, for the invitation. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach ballet to different groups, all of whom possess a very high level of technical skill. The girls are particularly outstanding, and the boys must continue working with the same dedication as before in order to fully realize their talent. I am very grateful for the warm and wonderful hospitality with which I was received. The university is fantastic: the facilities, the studios, the theatre, and the student accommodations are truly impressive. In addition, they have excellent teachers and a very promising future ahead. I hope that on another occasion I will be able to return for a longer period of time to continue this beautiful collaboration.”
