FRANKFURT, Germany – Prepare to witness something truly magical as the world's greatest ballet dancers come together in Frankfurt this November for Ballet Brilliance Gala. This enchanting evening will unfold on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at 19:00 at the prestigious Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt.

Curated by Mariana Gomes, currently regarded as one of the world's leading ballet gala curators, and presented by Artform Productions, which has successfully produced acclaimed galas across Europe, this magical evening promises a perfectly crafted program that transforms each artist's unique gifts into pure theatrical magic.

This remarkable gala brings together an incredible collection of international ballet stars, led by the luminous Olga Smirnova, Prima Ballerina of the Dutch National Ballet Amsterdam, who has been hailed as "one of the most critically acclaimed ballerinas of our time" and famously called "the Da Vinci of ballet" by The New York Times. Joining her are principal dancers from Europe's most distinguished ballet houses, each a master of their craft, creating a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience.

Featured Artists
The evening will showcase the artistry of dancers from Europe's most prestigious ballet institutions:

• Olga Smirnova (Prima Ballerina, Dutch National Ballet, Amsterdam)
• David Motta Soares (Principal Ballet Dancer, Staatsballet Berlin)
• Riho Sakamoto (Principal Ballet Dancer, Dutch National Ballet, Amsterdam)
• Ines Macintosh (Principal Ballet Dancer, Paris Opera Ballet)
• Victor Caixeta (Principal Ballet Dancer, Vienna State Ballet)
• Joseph Sissens (Principal Ballet Dancer, The Royal Ballet, London)
• Timothy van Poucke (Principal Ballet Dancer, Dutch National Ballet, Amsterdam)
• Paul Marque (Principal Ballet Dancer, Paris Opera Ballet)
• Cassandra Trenary (Principal Ballet Dancer, Vienna State Ballet)
• Viola Pantuso (First Artist, The Royal Ballet, London)

Cast is subject to change.

A Magical Evening of Ballet Excellence
Ballet Brilliance Gala represents a rare opportunity for Frankfurt audiences to witness the very best of classical and contemporary ballet artistry in a single, extraordinary evening. Under the visionary curation of Mariana Gomes, the performance will present a beautiful collection of beloved classics including excerpts from Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Carmen, and Don Quixote, alongside contemporary works by renowned choreographers including Wayne McGregor, David Dawson, and Hans van Manen, each piece carefully chosen to reveal the artistry and passion of these extraordinary performers from the world's most celebrated institutions.

"This gala conjures artists who embody the very essence of international ballet," said a spokesperson for the production team. "Frankfurt audiences will experience ballet at its most brilliant—a magical transformation where technique becomes poetry, and movement becomes pure enchantment."

Ballet Brilliance Gala promises to be a cultural highlight of Frankfurt's 2025 season, offering dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike the rare opportunity to witness a magical transformation where world-class ballet artistry transcends the ordinary in one of Germany's most iconic venues.

Event Details:
What: Ballet Brilliance Gala
When: Sunday, 30 November 2025, 19:00
Where: Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt
Presented by: Artform Productions and Mariana Gomes Arts Productions


Ticket Information:
Tickets are now available through Eventim and Myticket. Given the exceptional nature of this lineup and limited seating at Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt, early booking is strongly recommended.

About Artform Productions:
ArtForm Production creates unique events in the fields of culture and the arts, with a special focus on classical ballet and contemporary dance. With over 100 distinctive productions across Europe and beyond, ArtForm Production is recognized for its commitment to artistic excellence, cultural innovation, and unforgettable stage experiences.

About Mariana Gomes Arts Productions:
Mariana Gomes Arts Productions is led by one of the world's most respected ballet gala curators. The company specializes in curating world-class ballet galas and managing the world's leading ballet stars, creating extraordinary performances that transform individual artistry into unforgettable theatrical experiences.

David Motta Soares is a Brazilian ballet dancer who began his ballet education at the Regina and Ofelia Corvello Ballet School in 2007.

His dedication led him to the Annual Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in Middlebury, Connecticut, in 2010, followed by enrollment at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow at the age of 12.
After graduating in 2015, he rose quickly through the ranks to become a lead soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, where he showcased his exceptional talent in many of the most prominent principal roles.
Noteworthy performances include Don Quixote, Pharaoh’s Daughter, Legend of Love, Orlando, and numerous other acclaimed productions.

In May 2022, David achieved another significant milestone in his career by becoming a principal dancer with the Berlin State Ballet. Throughout his journey, his artistry and dedication have illuminated the stage, earning him admiration worldwide.

In March 2025, David was honored in London at the prestigious Ballet Icons Gala, where he received the award for Outstanding Performer of the Year. He was celebrated for his performance of the Delibes pas de deux by José Martinez, Director of the Paris Opera Ballet, in a memorable partnership with Iana Salienko.

Olga Smirnova is one of the most distinguished ballerinas of her generation. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, she began her training at the prestigious Vaganova Academy under Lyudmila Kovaleva, where her exceptional talent became evident early on. During her studies, she toured internationally with the Academy and performed at major events, including a special performance at the London Coliseum in 2011 commemorating Galina Ulanova.

Upon graduating in 2011, Olga was immediately invited to join the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow—an extraordinary achievement that placed her directly in the rank of soloist. Her meteoric rise continued with promotions to first soloist in her first season, leading soloist the following year, and ultimately to prima ballerina in 2016. Her Bolshoi repertoire included major classical and dramatic roles such as Tatiana in Onegin, Nikiya in La Bayadère, Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, and Marguerite in Lady of the Camellias. She also originated roles in Dream of Dreamby Jorma Elo and The Taming of the Shrew by Jean-Christophe Maillot, among others.

In 2014, she was invited to guest with American Ballet Theatre, performing as Nikiya in Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère, and she featured in the Bolshoi’s global broadcasts, including Jewels by Balanchine.
In March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine and expressing her personal opposition to the war, Olga made the decisive move to leave Russia. She joined the Dutch National Ballet as a prima ballerina, continuing her international career from Amsterdam. Since then, she has performed leading roles across Europe, as well as in China and Japan.

Celebrated by international critics for her sublime line, lyrical arms, and expressive depth, Olga Smirnova has been called “a truly extraordinary talent” and “the physically perfect instrument of her art form.” Her unique blend of Russian classical tradition and contemporary sensitivity continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Riho Sakamoto, originally from Nara, Japan, has distinguished herself as a Principal Dancer at the Dutch National Ballet, a role she has embraced since 2014. Her balletic journey commenced at the esteemed Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC, where she honed her craft under rigorous training.

Riho's career trajectory has been marked by notable milestones and accolades. She achieved international recognition early on by clinching the gold medal at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix in 2010, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.

Since joining the Dutch National Ballet, Riho has consistently elevated her artistry, progressing from roles in the Junior Company to Coryphée, Corps de Ballet, and ultimately attaining the esteemed position of Principal Dancer in 2021. During the 2024/25 season, she also performed as a Principal Dancer with the renowned Staatsballett Berlin, dancing in both classical and contemporary works from their repertoire. Her performances have garnered widespread acclaim, with multiple Critics’ Choice Dance Europe awards recognizing her outstanding contributions to the dance world. Notably, she was honored for her captivating portrayals in productions like Pas/Parts 2018 and Blake Works I, solidifying her reputation as a dancer of extraordinary skill and versatility.

Riho Sakamoto continues to inspire audiences globally with her emotive interpretations, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to the art of ballet. Her journey exemplifies dedication, passion, and an enduring pursuit of excellence in the world of dance.

Paul Marque is a French ballet dancer and Danseur Étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet, acclaimed for his technical brilliance and expressive depth across both classical and contemporary repertoire.

Born in the southwest of France, Marque began dancing at the age of three and received his early training in his hometown. In 2008, he was admitted to the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School, where he trained for six years, completing the full curriculum in the tradition of the French school.

He joined the Paris Opera Ballet in 2014 as a Quadrille and quickly rose through the ranks: Coryphée in 2016, the same year he won the Gold Medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition; Sujet in 2017, alongside the AROP Dance Award; and Premier Danseur in 2018. His early performances in soloist roles included Basilio in Don Quixote (Nureyev), Lensky in Onegin (Cranko), Colas in La Fille mal gardée (Ashton), and Balanchine’s Rubies.

As Premier Danseur, Marque expanded his repertoire with principal roles such as Siegfried in Swan Lake, Jean de Brienne in Raymonda, and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Nureyev), along with standout performances in Fancy Free, Concerto Barocco, Suite of Dances, and The Four Temperaments.

On December 13, 2020, following a streamed performance of La Bayadère (Nureyev) at the Opéra Bastille—where he danced the role of the Golden Idol—Paul Marque was named Danseur Étoile, the highest distinction in the Paris Opera Ballet.

Since then, he has continued to shine in major works of the repertoire, including Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, as well as in contemporary creations such as Le Chant de la Terre (Neumeier), Dogs Sleep (Marco Goecke), and Blake Works I (Forsythe).

Marque has also represented the Paris Opera Ballet on international tours, performing in Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Inès McIntosh is a French ballet dancer and Première Danseuse of the Paris Opera Ballet, known for her refined technique, expressive artistry, and deep connection to the French classical tradition. Born in 2002 in the suburbs of Paris, she discovered her passion for dance after watching a documentary about the Paris Opera Ballet School. At just nine and a half years old, she was admitted to the school, where she trained in the pure tradition of the French style.

Her early promise was evident in solo roles such as Raymonda, Spring and Fall by John Neumeier, and the lead in Les Deux Pigeons by Albert Aveline. A tireless and meticulous worker, she gradually shaped her body and technique to meet the highest standards of classical ballet.

Upon graduating in 2019, Inès joined the Corps de Ballet at the Paris Opera Ballet at the age of 16. Her rise through the ranks was swift: she was promoted to Coryphée in 2021 following her first Concours, and to Sujet just six months later after her second. These early milestones brought her the opportunity to work on prominent soloist roles, including the virtuosic pas de deux from Flamme de Paris.

In 2021, Inès was invited to perform at the prestigious gala Les Hivernales de la Danse, having been selected as the first laureate of the “Exclusive International Ballet Program” directed by Thomas Gallus and Robert Tewsley. That same year, she was awarded First Prize unanimously at the Rudolf Nureyev Competition.

Her artistic development continued to flourish, and in 2023 she was promoted to Première Danseuse. In 2024, she was honored with both the AROP Dance Award and the Prix du Cercle Carpeaux—recognitions that underscore her growing stature within the Paris Opera and the broader ballet world.
With poise, intelligence, and emotional nuance, Inès McIntosh represents the future of French ballet and a new generation of artists carrying forward a legacy of elegance and excellence.

Victor Caixeta is a Brazilian ballet dancer currently serving as a Principal Dancer with the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. Formerly a soloist with the Mariinsky Ballet, he has performed on major stages across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Born in Uberlândia, Brazil, Caixeta began his ballet training at the age of 12 through the social project Pé de Moleque. His early promise earned him scholarships from both the Youth America Grand Prix and the Prix de Lausanne. He completed his professional training at the Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin in 2017 and soon after caught international attention at the Moscow International Ballet Competition, where he was scouted to join the Mariinsky Ballet—becoming the first Brazilian ever to do so. He was promoted to the rank of soloist in 2019.

In 2022, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Caixeta left the Mariinsky. He joined the Dutch National Ballet in March of that year alongside Russian ballerina Olga Smirnova. Just a year later, in 2023, he was promoted to Principal Dancer after a celebrated performance as Siegfried in Swan Lake.

He has since continued to build an international career, performing in renowned productions such as La Bayadère by Benjamin Pech at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and sharing the stage with Smirnova for the 50th anniversary Gala of the Prix de Lausanne. Caixeta is also a frequent guest artist at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, where he maintains close artistic ties to his home country.

Looking ahead, Victor Caixeta will join the Vienna State Ballet as a Principal Dancer for the 2025–2026 season, under the new artistic direction of Alessandra Ferri—marking a significant new chapter in his dynamic and fast-rising career.

Joseph Sissens is a British ballet dancer and Principal of The Royal Ballet in London. Known for his elegance, versatility, and powerful stage presence, he joined the Company in 2016 after graduating from The Royal Ballet School. He was promoted to First Artist in 2018, Soloist in 2021, First Soloist in 2022, and Principal in 2024.

Born in Cambridge and of Anglo-Caribbean descent, Sissens began his training at the Georgina Pay School of Dance and later studied on scholarship at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. Early in his career, he performed in Oliver! The Musical in the West End and as Fritz in The Nutcracker with English National Ballet. At age 13, he joined The Royal Ballet School, where he appeared in works by Ashton, Bintley, MacMillan, and Peter Wright, showcasing a refined musicality and dramatic sensibility.

As a student, he performed with The Royal Ballet in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, La Fille mal gardée, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and Giselle. He received second prize at the 2014 Young British Dancer of the Year and second prize at the 2015 Ursula Moreton Choreographic Award for his original work Let My People Go. In 2021, he was honored with the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Performance in a Dance Production for The Statement.

With The Royal Ballet, Sissens has created roles in numerous contemporary works, including Crystal Pite’s Flight Patternand Light of Passage, Wayne McGregor’s The Dante Project and Untitled, 2023, Robert Binet’s Dark with Excessive Bright, Void and Fire, and pieces by Kyle Abraham, Joseph Toonga, and Christopher Wheeldon. His classical and dramatic repertory includes leading roles such as Siegfried (Swan Lake), Lensky (Onegin), Espada (Don Quixote), Lescaut (Manon), and Florestan and Bluebird (The Sleeping Beauty), among many others.

A bold and articulate performer with a gift for both classical technique and contemporary expression, Joseph Sissens is emerging as one of the most dynamic and celebrated artists of his generation.

Viola Pantuso is an American ballet dancer and First Artist of The Royal Ballet. She joined the Company as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer at the start of the 2021/22 Season, became an Artist in 2022/23, and was promoted to First Artist in 2024. Known for her expressive style and musical sensitivity, she is emerging as a distinctive voice among the new generation of Royal Ballet dancers.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pantuso began her ballet training at the age of three. She studied at the Joffrey Academy of Dance and later at the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program in New York City, where she earned a silver medal at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals. In 2017, she was accepted into The Royal Ballet School at White Lodge and continued through the Upper School, where she was awarded First Prize in the prestigious Lynn Seymour Competition for Expressive Dance.

As a student, Pantuso performed in major productions including La Bayadère, Othello, and The Nutcracker with the Joffrey Ballet, and Le Corsaire with American Ballet Theatre. While at The Royal Ballet School, she danced the lead in Elite Syncopations and performed Ashley Page’s Mephisto Waltz at her graduation. She also appeared in Liam Scarlett’s The Cunning Little Vixen at the Royal Opera House and in Didy Veldman’s Is To Be at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In 2023, Pantuso represented The Royal Ballet at the International Erik Bruhn Prize in Toronto, further affirming her status as one of the Company’s rising talents.

Her repertory with The Royal Ballet includes Perdita (The Winter’s Tale), Clara, Vivandière, and Mirliton (The Nutcracker), along with roles in Mayerling, Manon, Les Rendezvous, The Dream, Everyone Keeps Me, and The Dante Project (The Wrathful). She has created roles in Wayne McGregor’s Untitled, 2023 and Figures in a Landscape, Jessica Lang’s Twinkle, and Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things.

With her combination of lyrical finesse and dramatic versatility, Viola Pantuso continues to captivate audiences and contribute richly to the artistic voice of The Royal Ballet.

Cassandra Trenary is an American ballet dancer celebrated for her luminous artistry, dramatic depth, and technical brilliance. After a distinguished 15-year career with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), she joined the Vienna State Opera Ballet as a Principal Dancer in 2025 under the artistic direction of Alessandra Ferri.

Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Trenary began dancing at age three, training in various styles at the Lawrenceville School of Ballet. At 11, she attended her first summer intensive at ABT and, four years later, was invited to train full-time at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City. In 2011, she joined ABT’s Studio Company on a European tour and was soon offered a contract with the main company. She rose swiftly through the ranks, becoming a Soloist in 2015 and a Principal Dancer in 2020.

At ABT, Trenary’s repertoire spanned both classical and contemporary works. She earned acclaim for her portrayals of Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and Clara, the Princess in Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. Her versatility extended to contemporary roles, including Sally in Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works, Raskolnikov in Helen Pickett’s Crime and Punishment, and Tita in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate.

Trenary’s final performance with ABT was on July 5, 2025, in Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale. Her transition to the Vienna State Opera Ballet marks a new chapter in her career, where she continues to captivate audiences with her expressive performances and commitment to the art of ballet.