【Balletweek Dancer Interview】Performing in 'Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026': Kotaro Hirose, National Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre

Kotaro Hirose, National Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre

Balletweek, a comprehensive ballet information website operated by Marty Corporation (Headquarters: 1F, Mita Keio Business Center, 2-14-4 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo), delivers various news related to ballet, including competitions, workshops, performances, and events. This summer, an interview article featuring Kotaro Hirose, a ballet dancer from the National Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre, who will perform in the 'Ballet Ensemble Gala Performances' held across Japan, has been published.

The interview covers a wide range of topics, including Hirose's journey to becoming a ballet dancer in Russia and the pieces he will perform this time.

<Interview with Kotaro Hirose>

・What kind of ballet company is the National Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre?

・What inspired you to start ballet?

・Why did you begin your career in Russia?

・What are the highlights of this Ensemble Gala performance?

From among many interview responses, here is his message of determination ahead of the performances.

A scene captured during a local performance

This year, you are scheduled to perform in both the Tokyo and Kansai galas. Although this is your second gala concert, what works will you be dancing this time?

For the Tokyo performance, I will be dancing 'Spring Waters,' a ballet piece choreographed to the composition by Rachmaninoff. Originally a song with lyrics, this ballet features dynamic movements that evoke the breath of spring arriving upon the winter earth. For the Kansai performance, I will be dancing the adagio between Cinderella and the Prince from Act II of 'Super Cinderella,' an original production by my theatre. We portray the magnetic attraction between the two characters who meet fatefully at the ball, using contemporary choreography. There are several lifts that you won't see in classical works, so I truly hope you come and watch it.

It is an honor to share the stage with dancers who are active around the world. I will do my very best to make the performance one that every audience member feels was worth coming to see.

We encourage you to read the full interview, enjoy the Ensemble Gala performance, and reflect on the artistry of the dancers.

Read the full interview here

Kotaro Hirose

Profile

Began ballet at age 5, studying under Megumi Kuroki at the Kuroki Ballet Academy.

In 2016, studied abroad at the Perm State Ballet School in Russia. During his studies, he performed leading roles in school productions.

Graduated in 2020, and joined the National Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre in 2021.

Promoted to Soloist in 2022 and to Leading Soloist in 2024.

In the same year, won the Best Partner Award at the 18th Perm International Ballet Competition 'Arabesque'.

Has starred in productions such as 'The Nutcracker,' 'Don Quixote,' 'The Fountain of Bakhchisarai,' and 'Super Cinderella,' in addition to performing as a soloist.

Hirose co-manages a YouTube channel with Miu Shibugaki, who will also perform with him in this gala concert. The channel features many videos discussing life within the ballet company and experiences studying ballet abroad—please be sure to check it out.

◆◆◆Event Details◆◆◆

A collaborative performance featuring professional dancers active in Japan and abroad, alongside aspiring future professionals.

Ballet Ensemble Gala - Kanto Performance

Ballet Ensemble Gala - Kanto Performance

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

Venue: Kyurian, Shinagawa City General Community Center (Tokyo) 5-18-1 Higashi-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Part 1 / Ballet Gala Concert – A feast of professional ballet dancers active in Japan and abroad

Part 2 / Highlights from 'The Nutcracker' – A collaborative performance between professional ballet dancers and future dancers

Details for the Kanto performance here

Purchase tickets for the Kanto performance here

Ballet Ensemble Gala - Kansai Performance

Ballet Ensemble Gala - Kansai Performance

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026

Venue: Kobe Bunka Hall, Mid-Size Hall (Hyogo)

Part 1: Ballet Gala Concert – A feast of professional ballet dancers active in Japan and abroad

Part 2: Acts II and III from 'Swan Lake' – A collaborative performance between professional ballet dancers and future professional dancers

Details for the Kansai performance here

Purchase tickets for the Kansai performance here

About Balletweek

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