The names of nominees for the Benois de la Dance prize (award for the highest achievements in choreography) have been declared. The prizes will be awarded at the Bolshoi Theatre on May 18. And on May 19 at the New Stage of the Bolshoi Theatre will be a gala concert "Stars of the Benois de la Danсe". Among the nominees are twenty persons: six choreographers, seven ballerinas, seven ballet dancers.
Photo by Damir Yusupov / Bolshoi Theater
Six choreographers: David Dawson (English National Ballet), Terence Kohler (Royal Ballet of Flanders), Christopher Wheeldon (Ballet of Karlsruhe) and others. Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky is nominated by Russia.
Among ballerinas are the soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre Maria Alexandrova, the soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre Evgenia Obraztsova. Also, Isabella Boylston (American Ballet Theatre), Helen Boucher (Hamburg Ballet), Isabelle Syaravolla (Paris National Opera) and other dancers.
Michael Lobuhin (Mariinsky Theatre) represents Russia in the category for male ballet dancers. Also among the nominees Stephen Byulon (Paris National Opera), Esteban Berlanga (English National Ballet), David Holberg (American Ballet Theatre), and others.
Photo by Damir Yusupov / Bolshoi Theater
Last year, the awards ceremony Benois de la Dance didn't take place because of the financial crisis. Therefore, this year prize will be awarded not only the current winners, but to winners of last year as well. | 
