[Lead Cast Announced] Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026 Kansai: Slovenian National Ballet Principal and Former K-BALLET TOKYO Star to Perform
The lead cast for 'Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026 Kansai,' scheduled for August 9, has been announced. Kenta Yamamoto, a principal at the Slovenian National Ballet, and Saya Narita, formerly of K-BALLET TOKYO, will star in Acts 2 and 3 of 'Swan Lake,' bringing world-class performance to the Kansai region.
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- 📰 Published: May 31, 2026 at 19:00
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Marty Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo) has announced that the 'Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026 Kansai' will be held on Sunday, August 9. For its 5th anniversary, the gala will feature Kenta Yamamoto from the Slovenian National Ballet and Saya Narita, formerly of K-BALLET TOKYO, performing highlights from 'Swan Lake' (Acts 2 and 3).
Bringing World-Class Artistry to Japanese Audiences:
The organizer emphasizes the importance of connecting the international careers of Japanese dancers with the domestic community. By creating opportunities for dancers to perform in Japan during their off-season, the gala aims to foster a community and pass down professional experience to the next generation of dancers. This performance showcases the 'present' of these elite artists and their dedication to the craft.
Lead / Prince Siegfried: Kenta Yamamoto (Principal, Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana)
Originally from Kyoto, Yamamoto studied at the Shanghai Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School in the UK. After joining the Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana, he made history in 2023 as the company's first Japanese male dancer promoted to Principal.
Lead / Odette-Odile: Saya Narita (Former K-BALLET TOKYO)
Hailing from Osaka, Narita studied at the State Academy of Ballet Mannheim in Germany. Following a successful career at the Universal Ballet in Korea, she joined K-BALLET TOKYO as a Principal Soloist in 2018 and performed there until March 2025.
About Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana:
Based in the historic Ljubljana Opera and Ballet Theatre, the company is renowned for its high artistic standards in Europe. It balances classical traditions with contemporary works, characterized by delicate expression and harmony with music.
The Significance of Kansai-born Dancers Leading the Stage:
This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the energy of world-class professional dancers in the Kansai region. It provides a unique space for the next generation of dancers to witness international standards first-hand and find inspiration in their successful 'seniors' who have taken flight from Kansai to the global stage.
Bringing World-Class Artistry to Japanese Audiences:
The organizer emphasizes the importance of connecting the international careers of Japanese dancers with the domestic community. By creating opportunities for dancers to perform in Japan during their off-season, the gala aims to foster a community and pass down professional experience to the next generation of dancers. This performance showcases the 'present' of these elite artists and their dedication to the craft.
Lead / Prince Siegfried: Kenta Yamamoto (Principal, Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana)
Originally from Kyoto, Yamamoto studied at the Shanghai Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School in the UK. After joining the Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana, he made history in 2023 as the company's first Japanese male dancer promoted to Principal.
Lead / Odette-Odile: Saya Narita (Former K-BALLET TOKYO)
Hailing from Osaka, Narita studied at the State Academy of Ballet Mannheim in Germany. Following a successful career at the Universal Ballet in Korea, she joined K-BALLET TOKYO as a Principal Soloist in 2018 and performed there until March 2025.
About Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana:
Based in the historic Ljubljana Opera and Ballet Theatre, the company is renowned for its high artistic standards in Europe. It balances classical traditions with contemporary works, characterized by delicate expression and harmony with music.
The Significance of Kansai-born Dancers Leading the Stage:
This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the energy of world-class professional dancers in the Kansai region. It provides a unique space for the next generation of dancers to witness international standards first-hand and find inspiration in their successful 'seniors' who have taken flight from Kansai to the global stage.
FAQ
「バレエアンサンブルガラ2026・関西公演」はいつ開催されますか？
2026年8月9日(日)に開催が予定されています。
本公演の『白鳥の湖』で主演を務めるダンサーは誰ですか？
スロベニア国立バレエ団初の日本人男性プリンシパルである山本健太氏（ジークフリート王子役）と、元K-BALLET TOKYOの成田紗弥氏（オデット・オディール役）です。
公演の主催者はどこですか？
東京都港区に本社を置くマーティ株式会社が主催しています。
山本健太氏の主な経歴を教えてください。
京都府出身。上海バレエ学校、英国ロイヤルバレエ学校を経てスロヴェニア国立バレエ団リュブリャナに入団し、2023年に同団初の日本人男性プリンシパルに昇格しました。
成田紗弥氏の主な経歴を教えてください。
大阪府出身。ドイツ・マンハイム国立バレエ・アカデミー卒業後、韓国のユニバーサル・バレエ団、K-BALLET TOKYOでプリンシパル・ソリストとして活躍しました。