The Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition invited the world-renowned ballet dancer Vladimir Malakhov to serve as a judge. Hailed as the “Dancer of the Century,” Malakhov has been a principal dancer with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, and the American Ballet Theatre. He has repeatedly served as choreographer and lead dancer for the Vienna New Year’s Concert. He currently serves as a professor at the Beijing Dance Academy.

Regarding his invitation to serve as a judge at the Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition, Malakhov expressed his full commitment to supporting this emerging competition, diligently evaluating the participants’ performances, and providing master classes for the dancers. He assessed that the overall standard of the competition was very high, and through the event, he discovered many outstanding ballet dancers. He believes that for all participants, the most important aspect is participation itself; competing is a valuable experience and a process of growth. Young ballet dancers from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds connect through the Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition platform, learning from each other and progressing together, which is crucial for their future development.

Shenyang is one of Malakhov’s favorite cities. “My bond with Shenyang began at the Ballet Grand Prix Vienna, where I served as a judge. Among the award-winning dancers were performers from the Liaoning Ballet, whose performances I greatly admired.” Malakhov said, “Later, I was invited to choreograph the ballet Swan Lake for the Liaoning Ballet and to teach classes for its dancers. I enjoy coming to Shenyang. I love visiting my friends here and also wish to discover ballet talents in this city.”

Malakhov spoke highly of the Liaoning Ballet. “I greatly admire the dancers of the Liaoning Ballet; this is a troupe with strong capabilities. The dancers of the Liaoning Ballet are outstanding, capable of performing ballets of different styles.” During his visit to Shenyang, Malakhov watched the original ballet Qixi by the Liaoning Ballet. He found this ballet, based on Chinese folklore, very unique, as it skillfully integrates traditional Chinese culture with the art of ballet. “Liaoning (Shenyang) is becoming a platform for the exchange of global ballet art, and I am very pleased to witness the prosperous development of ballet here,” Malakhov said.