The story
Varna International Ballet Competition in Varna
Founded in 1964 and staged at Varna's Open-Air Theatre from its first edition, the Varna International Ballet Competition is recognized as the first professional international ballet competition in the world. Biennial since 1968, it has launched the international careers of dancers including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, and Sylvie Guillem, and its competition format has been adapted by later ballet competitions in Russia, the United States, Japan, Finland, and France.
Emil Dimitrov directed the first Varna International Ballet Competition in July 1964, staged at the city's Open-Air Theatre in the Sea Garden, and the event is now recognized as the first professional international ballet competition ever held anywhere.