Judges

Katherina Markowskaja

Katherina Markowskaja was born in Kyiv (Ukraine), where she also completed her education at the National Ballet Academy of Arts.
 
Already as a student she was represented in performances of the Ukrainian National Ballet in Kiev. At 16 she accepted Konstanze Vernon offer for a scholarship from the Heinz Bosl Foundation and completed her studies at the Ballet Academy in Munich.
 
Immediately after her exams, she was engaged at the Saxon State Opera in Dresden, under the direction of Vladimir Derevianko, who appointed her principal two years later.
 
In 1999 she was awarded the Mary Wigman Prize.
 
In 2010 Katherina Markowskaja joined the Bavarian State Ballet as a freelance ballerina and was engaged as a soloist until the 2015/2016 season.
Her commitment to shaping the future of dance is evident in her role as the management and owner of the “Dance Arts Academy” in Unterschleißheim since 2021. Here, she imparts not only technical excellence but also a profound appreciation for the artistry and cultural richness that dance embodies.

Mariana Gomes

After seeing Mariana Gomes dance at the Bolshoi Theatre’s School in Brazil, legendary
dancer Vladimir Vasiliev recommended her to the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. She danced for 17 years as a first artist in 35 ballets, including classical, neoclassical, and modern
choreography. Mariana also danced many solo roles in La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Symphony of Psalms, Jewels, Don Quixote, and other ballets.

Mariana studied the Vaganova Method at the Russian Theatre Institute from 2009 to 2013, honing her skills and understanding of classical dance.
Her roles included Ballet Mistress for New English Ballet Theatre and Global Artistic Manager for Ballet Icons 2023 and 2024 (London and Dubai).
From September 2023, she accepted the role of Third Year Ballet Tutor at the Central School of Ballet, London.
For the past two years, Mariana has been working as a ballet manager for principal dancers in major companies such as Dutch National Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin.
She has facilitated job placements for dancers worldwide, including prestigious companies like Dortmund Ballet, NEBT, London City Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin, and the Bolshoi Theater.
Mariana was awarded the Global Talent Visa for the UK in 2022, recognized by the Arts Council England for her exceptional talent.

OLIMPIA CRISTINA
CHEȚA

Step into the captivating world of a seasoned ballet artist whose journey has been nothing short of a dance odyssey. With a career that blossomed from the enchanting stages of Constanța, Romania, to the vibrant theaters of Tokyo, London, and beyond, our featured artist stands as a beacon of grace and talent. As a distinguished First Ballerina, she adorned iconic roles and garnered accolades, including a prestigious 1st place at the First Oleg International Ballet Competition. Beyond the spotlight, her commitment to the art extends to the realm of education, where she serves as a Professor of Ballet, Manager, and Choreographer, molding the future of dance in institutions across Bucharest and Cork. This is not just the story of a performer; it’s a narrative of passion, dedication, and a commitment to preserving the timeless allure of ballet on a global scale. Explore the chapters of her journey, where each pirouette and plié contribute to an ever-evolving legacy that continues to inspire and elevate the world of dance.

Maxim Chashchegorov

Chashchegorov Maxim is a highly accomplished and versatile ballet dancer and instructor, with a rich background in classical ballet and extensive international experience. Born in Ekaterinburg, Russia, Maxim embarked on his ballet journey at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating in 2002. His early career flourished at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre, where he danced under the direction of Makhar Vasiev for five years, portraying iconic roles in productions such as “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai,” “Swan Lake,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” In 2007, he embraced a new chapter by joining the Bavarian State Ballet, where he continued to dazzle audiences with his performances in a diverse range of roles, collaborating with esteemed choreographers like William Forsythe, John Neumeier, and Jiri Bubenicek.

Maged Mohamed

Maged Mohamed  a freelancing  CHOREOGRAPHER / Art director
and a Dance teacher based in Germany specializing in ballet /neoclassic/modern dance.
Maged Mohamed’s works have been involved in different art fields that carry his experience working with many different types of art such as ballet / modern dance /short films that specialize in the combination of performing arts, acting, music with dance, or movement expression.
choreographer experience: creating dance pieces passed on (classical ballet, neoclassical, modern) /performing arts/ stage projects/workshops for state theaters and opera houses, private theaters, academies of dance and art, private projects, schools of the state, and others around the world.
Teaching experience:  working with professional and junior dancers in the field of ballet and modern dance in an academy of state s or private school of dance also Conducting dance workshops for all types of groups, whether for professionals or amateurs.
Directing shows based on dance classic modern/ combing art form performances and updating them, whether for the theatrical or ordinary audience.