The World Ballet Festival Returns for Summer 2024

For over 48 years, the world's most talented and sought-after dancers gathered at the World Ballet Festival held triennially in Japan. The Festival continues to be one of the oldest, largest and most exciting ballet festivals in the world for audiences and dancers alike. Today's most celebrated artists will gather again at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan for the 17th World Ballet Festival from Saturday 27 July until Monday 12 August 2024 to perform in four programs: Special Performances of La Bayadère in full length, Programs A and B, and Gala.

When the Festival was first introduced in 1976 under the leadership of Tadatsugu Sasaki, it was very rare for the star dancers of different companies or countries to share the stage. Its first edition caused an international sensation by bringing more than 20 world-class dancers including three legends, Margot Fonteyn from the UK, Maya Plisetskaya from the Soviet Union and Alicia Alonso from Cuba.

Since then, stars such as Jorge Donn, Patrick Dupond, Sylvie Guillem, Alessandra Ferri, Manuel Legris Vladimir Malakhov and Gil Roman have become regular participants, bringing the audiences to a storm of excitement every time. The circle of energy created between audiences and artists in this Festival produces an atmosphere that motivates dancers to perform to the best of their abilities, and has resulted in many legendary performances. Featuring the world's leading dancers, all from different artistic backgrounds and representing a wide variety of repertoire and styles, the Festival also offers an opportunity to observe an overview of today's ballet scene. While there are many similar festivals today, the quality and intensity of both artists and audiences at the World Ballet Festival continues to be amongst the highest in the world.

Join us for the hottest Festival this summer!

Curtain calls at the 16th World Ballet Festival
Photos: Kiyonori Hasegawa