Sixteen dancers took part in the audition of the internationally acclaimed Tulsa Ballet, based in the state of Oklahoma, held at the Hungarian Dance University. The ensemble, renowned worldwide, has been known for its innovative performances since 1956, and it is a significant opportunity that they visited Budapest and the university.
Altogether 16 participants attended the audition, including eight students from the Hungarian Dance University. Ballet master Balázs Krajczár was present throughout the audition; he himself was a member of Tulsa Ballet during the 2008/2009 season. Speaking about that period, the university’s ballet master said he encountered an exceptionally high artistic standard within a company that was international in every respect.
Tulsa Ballet’s Artistic Director has been Marcello Angelini since 1995. According to Balázs Krajczár, it has always been important to him that professional diversity should not appear on stage as a divisive force. This is despite the fact that Tulsa’s dancers consistently come from all over the world, and this diversity is enriching both culturally and professionally.
“I remember that extremely professional work was carried out within the company, with a very strict schedule. In every ballet class there was a fondu in the centre on demi-pointe, which is a very difficult exercise and is usually associated with training in schools. However, its effects could already be felt in the short term. It strengthened me and helped me gain better control over my body.”
The students faced these expectations when, during the audition, Marcello Angelini briefly addressed them. The renowned director emphasized the importance of preserving what they learn at school.
“If someone deteriorates over the years and loses their technique, they are unlikely to regain it. That is why you must work all the way through your ballet classes — and this is what I demand from my own dancers as well. Beautiful arm positions are important; let us not forget the épaulement, let us use our heads, and it is never, truly never enough to do an exercise just once. Seize the opportunity to repeat it, because that is how you truly improve,” said Marcello Angelini.
It is also worth knowing about Tulsa Ballet that the institution is financially stable and is currently expanding its infrastructure. It stages works by some of the most renowned choreographers, tours regularly, and trains a significant portion of its dancers within the company, planning for the long term with them. It was no coincidence that during the audition Balázs Krajczár said he had been happy to be a member of the company, because it was good to be its member.
