On 28 May 2024, the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich‑Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre will host a ceremony and gala concert for the laureates of the "Soul of Dance" award, marking the 30th anniversary of the prize established by Ballet magazine.
The International Chekhov Theatre Festival has become one of the laureates of this prestigious award in the special nomination "For Contribution to the Development of Russian Dance Art" . The award is presented to those who, like Ballet magazine, have for many years organised events that contribute to the development and affirmation of Russian dance art.
At the gala concert, the International Chekhov Theatre Festival will present a duet from the ballet "Minus 16" , choreographed by the renowned Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, performed on the stage of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich‑Danchenko Music Theatre by soloists Evgeny Dubrovsky and Dina Levin. The Chekhov Festival has a long‑standing and fruitful creative relationship with Ohad Naharin. His productions "Deca Dance" and "Sadex21" were first presented at the Festival in 2013. That same year, the Batsheva Dance Company undertook a tour of five Russian cities, timed to coincide with the 65th anniversary of Israel's independence.
For more than thirty years, the International Chekhov Theatre Festival – founded by Valery Ivanovich Shadrin – has consistently featured stars of world ballet: Nacho Duato, Pina Bausch, Sylvie Guillem, Mats Ek, William Forsythe, Tero Saarinen, Marie Chouinard, Goyo Montero, LIN Hwai‑min, Carlos Acosta, Jo Kanamori, Merce Cunningham, Jiří Kylián, Matthew Bourne, Maria Pagés, Joseph Nadj, Lin Lee‑Chen, Jean‑Christophe Maillot, John Neumeier, Russell Maliphant, Mark Baldwin, Ikuryo Kuroda, Akram Khan, Herman Cornejo, Aditi Mangaldas, Ronald Savkovic and many others – the diversity of ballet names on the poster has consistently attracted both enthusiasts and professional audiences.
In 2025, the Chekhov International Theatre Festival, true to its traditions, will present a number of vibrant choreographic productions.