Zagreb, October 30, 2024 – In celebration of Croatian Ballet Day, the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb will host a special benefit concert for the Zagreb School of Classical Ballet on Saturday, November 2, starting at 10:00 a.m. This initiative, organized by the HNK and supported by its principal sponsor, Mplus, aims to support the ballet school, which has been a cornerstone of Croatian ballet education for decades.
The Zagreb School of Classical Ballet, which suffered significant damage during the Zagreb earthquake and was subsequently displaced from its historic Ilirski Square location, now operates across several temporary sites. Throughout November and December, Mplus and the HNK will launch a call campaign to raise additional funds, ensuring students have the facilities they need to pursue their passion and develop their skills in a stable environment.
“Our school is the central institution for ballet education in Croatia and has nurtured many prominent artists, including Tomislav Petranović, Iva Vitić Gameiro, and Anamarija Marković – all current members of the HNK ballet ensemble. The earthquake left us without adequate facilities, making it difficult for students to train properly. Ballet is a niche profession in Croatia, with a declining number of homegrown artists.” — Martina Kralj, school director
Focusing on young dancers
To shed light on the situation facing Croatian ballet and to foster young talent, the HNK will showcase the school’s students on its main stage, alongside the HNK ballet soloists and ensemble.
“We are offering these young dancers the opportunity to take center stage as a tribute to their hard work and dedication. Though they often appear in minor roles in our productions, this concert allows us to highlight their talent and perseverance.” — Iva Hraste Sočo, HNK Zagreb’s artistic director
The concert will feature the youngest students demonstrating fundamental ballet steps, followed by a ballet class led by Mihaela Devald Roksandić. The program will also include an excerpt from The Nutcracker, with a Grand Pas de Deux performed by Rizumu Tanaka and Yuho Yoshioka.
In addition to the performance, Mplus will lead a call campaign throughout the remainder of the year to encourage the HNK’s ballet subscribers to donate to the Zagreb School of Classical Ballet.
"In Mplus, and across the BOSQAR INVEST group, we believe that art possesses a unique power to inspire and connect society. The dedication, discipline, and passion embodied by ballet dancers are qualities of excellence that our organization also strives to achieve in every area. This is why supporting this concert, dedicated to raising funds for the ballet school, is more than a gesture – it is an investment in the future of Croatian culture," Darko Horvat, Board Member of M Plus Croatia and CEO of BOSQAR d.d., said.
Tickets for the concert are available at the School of Classical Ballet, with sales held in the HNK atrium on October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and on November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Attendees may also contribute additional donations directly to a special account set up to support the school.
For further information, please contact the HNK Zagreb Box Office or visit the HNK website at https://bit.ly/4hj9ySN.