Three Japanese ballet dancers won medals at the International Ballet Competition held in Moscow on Saturday: Ryoma Hudzeleu took gold in the senior men's solo category, Denis Watanabe earned silver in the boys' solo category, and Sakura Nagai won bronze in the girls' solo category. Hudzeleu, who joined the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in September 2025, is currently performing there following his training in Belarus.
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Ryoma Hudzeleu, a 20-year-old Japanese national from Mitaka, won the gold medal in the senior men's solo category at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow on Saturday. Denis Watanabe, 18, also from Mitaka, won silver in the boys' solo category, and Sakura Nagai, 16, from Nagoya won bronze in the girls' solo category.
Why it matters
Hudzeleu joined the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in September 2025 and is currently performing there, marking a significant achievement for a Japanese dancer at one of the world's most prestigious ballet institutions. The competition results underscore the strength of Japanese ballet talent on the international stage.
What to watch
Hudzeleu previously won the silver medal in the boys' duet category at the 2022 competition, showing his continued progression. Watanabe expressed frustration with his silver medal result despite the achievement, while Nagai credited her steady practice for the bronze medal win.
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