It is a great pleasure and honor for the organizers of the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix that one of their successful participants can move on to the international level. This is what happened to Alexandra Grigore, who, after placing second in the 2025 junior competition, received a scholarship from the Norwegian National Ballet and its director, Jahn Magnus Johansen. We spoke with the young talented ballet dancer.
How are you feeling these days after receiving the news?
I feel incredibly grateful and humbled. The past few months have changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. At the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix, I had the honor of receiving an internship opportunity with the Norwegian National Ballet 2 from Jahn-Magnus Johansen. That internship later turned into an audition, which ultimately led to my first professional contract with the Norwegian National Ballet 2.
Photos by Adrienne Horváth – BBGP 2025
Although my professional journey had already begun in Romania, Budapest Ballet Grand Prix marked the beginning of an exciting new international chapter in my career. The opportunities I received there, especially the internship with the Norwegian National Ballet 2, opened doors that I could never have imagined and ultimately led to my first international professional contract.
How did you find the BBGP and why did you apply? What were you expect from the competition that time?
I had heard wonderful things about Budapest Ballet Grand Prix and its international jury. I applied because I wanted to challenge myself, learn from world-class professionals and gain experience on an international stage. My goal was never only to compete, but to grow as an artist.
What did the competition and the Budapest venue give you professionally?
The competition gave me much more than I had ever imagined. Beyond winning the scholarship offered by the Hungarian Dance University, I was deeply honored to receive several professional opportunities from internationally respected ballet directors. I was awarded an internship with the Norwegian National Ballet 2 by Jahn-Magnus Johansen, an internship with audition possibility at The Ballet of the National Theatre Brno by Mario Radacovsky, and an internship at Semperoper Ballett in Dresden by Kinsun Chan. For a young dancer, having these renowned artistic directors believe in my potential was incredibly motivating and gave me even more confidence to continue working hard. Budapest Ballet Grand Prix truly became a turning point in my professional journey.
Would you come back to visit us?
Absolutely. Budapest will always have a special place in my heart. I would be delighted to return, whether for performances, masterclasses or simply to meet the wonderful people I had the pleasure of getting to know.
What were your impressions on the competition? How well was it organized? What are your impressions on the Jury? etc.
I was truly impressed by every aspect of Budapest Ballet Grand Prix. The competition was exceptionally well organized, with a carefully planned schedule that allowed us to focus on our performances while also enjoying the overall experience. I was also impressed by the beautiful venue, which created a wonderful atmosphere and made every performance feel special.
Beyond the excellent organization, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and kindness of the entire organizing team. From the very beginning, everyone made us feel welcome and supported, creating an environment where young dancers could perform with confidence and enjoy every moment of the competition.
The jury was outstanding. It was an incredible honor to perform in front of such distinguished artists and directors from leading ballet companies and institutions around the world. Their professionalism, constructive feedback and encouragement made the experience even more valuable. I left Budapest not only with wonderful memories but also with inspiration, motivation and a clearer vision of my future as a dancer.
Who made the biggest impression on you during your time here?
The people who made the biggest impression on me were the incredible young dancers I had the chance to meet and the distinguished members of the jury. Competing alongside exceptionally talented artists from more than 22 countries was an unforgettable experience. Their talent, discipline and dedication inspired me every day and reminded me how beautiful and international the ballet world is.
At the same time, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to interact personally with the jury members. Receiving valuable advice, encouragement and constructive feedback from artists and directors whom I have admired for years meant more to me than I can express.
Being offered internships by Jahn-Magnus Johansen, Mario Radacovsky and Kinsun Chan was an incredible honor. Their confidence in my potential encouraged me to believe even more in my own path and motivated me to keep working with humility and determination.
Is there perhaps a personal experience you would like to share?
One personal experience that I will always treasure is the opportunity to connect personally with such an outstanding international jury. Receiving scholarships to HDU and internship offers was an incredible honor, but what touched me even more was the chance to speak with the jury members, listen to their advice and receive their encouragement. As a young dancer, hearing words of support from artists whom I have admired for years was truly inspiring.
I was deeply honored to receive internships with the Norwegian National Ballet 2 from Jahn-Magnus Johansen, with an audition opportunity at The Ballet of the National Theatre Brno from Mario Radacovsky, and with Semperoper Ballett in Dresden from Kinsun Chan. These opportunities meant far more than awards—they represented trust in my potential and motivated me to work even harder.
Another unforgettable moment was being invited to perform in the Gala. Sharing the stage with such talented dancers was a privilege and made me feel part of a truly international ballet family. I was also deeply touched by the personal appreciation and encouraging words from Rector Márta Molnár. Her kindness and confidence in me made that experience even more meaningful, and I will always remember it with gratitude. Looking back, I realize that Budapest Ballet Grand Prix was not only a competition—it became one of the most important milestones in the beginning of my professional career.
I would like to sincerely thank the Hungarian Dance University and the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix for believing in me. Receiving the scholarship was a great honor and an unforgettable milestone in my journey. I will always be grateful for the opportunities, support and inspiration I received in Budapest, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future.
