Ballet Nights in Romania: A look at the Star Studded International Programme

With Ballet Nights Romania in Bucharest tonight, with an internationally acclaimed cast finishing technical rehearsals, we’re taking a look at the programme being performed at Sala Palatului, in the heart of the city.

Ballet Nights Romania has been made possible through the collaboration with the artistic creation and production house, Musicals Romania; a team with a similar passion for the arts and a desire to push the boundaries of live performance. Their work as pioneering producers has introduced Romanian audiences to world-renowned musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, and Shrek The Musical. 

Performing at the renowned Concert Hall, Sala Palatului, nestled in the heart of the city, the ambitious programme includes Ballet Nights' usual mix of world-class dancers, modern masterpieces, new creations, and live music.

A distinct tradition, Ballet Nights House Concert Pianist, Viktor Erik Emanuel, will open both Acts, setting the atmosphere with his usual exquisite performances; playing Chopin’s Ballade No.1 in G Minor and Debussy’s L’Isle Joyeuse L.106.

Following Viktor in Act I, Étoile of Paris Opera Ballet, Sae Eun Park, will perform The Dying Swan, an infamous solo, performed by an internationally acclaimed star, this sets the bar high for the evening. 

Sae Eun Park will then for the finale of Act II alongside previous Principal of Vienna State Ballet and International Principal Star, Denys Cherevychko in A La Manière De, a piece choreographed by Jean-Guillaume Bart - a Romanian Première to round off the evening. At the heart of this piece is a pas de deux, subtly echoing Ravel’s own “À la manière de Chabrier,” in which the composer honoured a peer he deeply admired. In that same spirit, this duet could be called “À la manière de... Robbins,” a quiet nod to the choreographer whose passing coincided with the creation of the work. But the title remains deliberately open—elliptical—leaving space for interpretation and personal resonance.

Sae Sun Park and Denys Cherevychko

Crafted for mature and experienced artists, the choreography demands more than technique. It calls for fluidity, poetic sensitivity, humour, and speed—qualities that emerge only through years of dedication to the artform. It’s a dance not just performed, but deeply lived.

The music of Maurice Ravel is a driving force—its richness inspires sensations beyond words. From dreamy nostalgia to quiet loneliness, fleeting hope to the exuberant joy of shared movement, this piece is an emotional journey. It reminds us that even in the face of loss or uncertainty, dance remains. It becomes a way to process, to connect, and ultimately, to affirm life. Denys will also appear solo on stage, performing Voyage, a piece choreographed by Italian choreographer Renato Zanella, and accompanied by live music from Viktor Erik Emanuel. 

Sangeun Lee & Gareth Haw in David Dawson's Metamorphosis 1 at Ballet Nights 002: Changing Perceptions. Taken by Deborah Jaffe.

Our other headliners of the evening, Principals of English National Ballet, Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw, will perform David Dawson’s Metamorphosis 1, which had it’s UK Premiere at Ballet Nights 002: Changing Perceptions in October 2023; as well as a Pas de Deux from Giselle Act II, both a fantastic display of artistry and technical skill. 

Other familiar Ballet Nights faces include Guy Salim with his tap solo Temperature, seen at Ballet Nights 004: Our Story Continues, and Ballet Nights Brisbane; and Jordan James Bridge with a Ballet Nights favourite, And so the Rhythm Goes; as well as James Wilton Dance with Summer, an excerpt from The Four Seasons, set to Max Richter’s take on the Vivaldi classic, seen at Ballet Nights 006: The Cadogan Hall Concert. 

Jordan James Bridge in And So the Rhythm Goes at Ballet Nights 003: The Grande Finale. Taken by Deborah Jaffe.

Alongside these stars, new faces, Bruno Micchiardi & Thomas Edwards of Scottish Ballet will make their Ballet Nights Debut, performing The Jacket Duet from SIBILO, a piece choreographed by Sophie Laplane.

As if it wasn’t a programme already packed with internally acclaimed stars, Principal of English National Ballet, Francesco Gabriele Frola, and Romanian Star and Soloist of English National Ballet, Francesca Velicu, will perform the classic Corsaire Pas de Deux. 

It will certainly be an evening to remember, not only full of international stars, as well as fresh and dynamic voices, but also a proud moment for Ballet Nights, continuing our commitment to an international presence, becoming more ambitious in our collaborations and platforming.

Keep your eyes peeled on our instagram and facebook to see some behind the scenes content!