Besides the Organizing Committee of Budapest Ballet Grand Prix, many associates and young masters of Hungarian Dance University are also working painstakingly on the successful running of the competition. Among them, the leader of the graduating modern class, Tamás Csizmadia, is a helping hand to the contestants in the backstage, while the talented choreographer and university instructor Tamás Darai ardently supports the work of the Jury. After the first days, it was them we talked to, because they see the competition from a completely different perspective than the spectators or even the members of the Jury.
Photo by Adrienne Horváth
What are the first impressions? Tamás, you work alongside the Jury, how do you and they like what you have seen so far?
(Tamás Darai) I’m an assistant to the Jury, so I only saw the participants at the competition, I think they perform at a high standard. The jury aremembers really fond of the competition venue, and as I see it, Budapest as well. Although, several people are here for the first time, some have already tried a great thermal bath, with our capital city prides with. He came back so delighted, that he even suggested to take the others too. Actually, they really like the environment, the theater is beautiful, and I noticed – although I try not to get involved or ask questions, since our university is also involved – that they also like the standard of the competition. Moreover, what several people mentioned: it’s good that the competition lasts almost a week and that we have several professional side programs. I also think that the Master Class with invited, recognized masters is a great idea, as I also recognize that the standard is high for the juniors and duets as well.
(Tamás Csizmadia) Also, let me add that Tamás was also involved as a choreographer, he prepared a duet.
Tamás, if you have already taken the floor, what have you experienced so far in the competition, what are the vibes like?
I was also here last year at the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix, so I have a basis for comparison, because they immediately threw me into the deep water in the same position as now. At the moment, I am not here as a ballet master, yet still see the competition. Now I help the crew work elsewhere, so I’m responsible for the entire background of the event, so that the performance, as a real performance, goes off smoothly. I share a little something with each competitor, but I prefer numbers and faces rather than movements and positions.
Nevertheless, compared to last year, I think it is progress that we have already organized a big competition and were able to transfer a lot of things from there, a lot of experience. It’s an interesting feedback, but I actually feel that the competitors at the back also enjoy being here. They see the invested energy on our part, which has a positive effect.
Photo by Hype
Do you also have a student in the field?
(CST) No, I don’t have any right now, because I’m currently taking a modern year at university, but regardless of that, of course I’m on edge for everyone. I have a mentoree, our Ferenc Havas Memorial Prize winner Juli Precup, who I am a little more nervous about, but so far I am very satisfied with her. I wish her continued success, and make sure I am behind her from all sides.
You’re pins and needles for a duet, if I understand correctly?
Yes, because I created a choreography for Lili Németh, last year’s award winner, and Samu Gribovszki, we rehearsed in a great mood and painstakingly before the competition. A contemporary duet for pointe shoes. I’ve done this before, but not four and a half minutes. By the way, I’ve prepared several choreographies for the competition, but sadly, due to injuries, the others couldn’t enter BBGP Semi-Finals this year. We also had an open stage rehearsal with Lili today, which went very well. I trust them, they own the stage now, but it was a great experience to work with the two of them.
This finding is true for all participants. The stage is theirs, we wish everyone to enjoy every minute of it.
