The Power of Presence: Ballet, Beauty, and Becoming at NdB
An essay inspired by the 4th reprise of Don Quixote, performed by the Ballet of the National Theatre Brno on May 2, 2025.
Pictures@NdB - New Principals at NdB
In the luminous space of the Janáček Theatre, the 141st season of the National Theatre Brno unfolded with elegance and passion, presenting the fourth reprise of Ludwig Minkus' Don Quixote under the poetic choreography of José Carlos Martinez. More than a performance, it was an act of cultural celebration and embodied artistry—one that culminated in the well-deserved promotion of the interpreters of Kitri and Basil to the rank of principal dancers within the company.
Honoring the dancers of the NdB is to acknowledge a discipline that transcends physical effort. It is to witness the convergence of cognitive intention and emotional precision. The role of Kitri, danced with spirited finesse by Momona Sakakibara, was a marvel of character-driven interpretation. She did not merely dance; she became Kitri. Likewise, Shoma Ogasawara brought Basil to life with masculine energy and lyrical athleticism, forming a dynamic and compelling partnership with Sakakibara’s Kitri. Their chemistry animated the stage with vitality and charm. Captivating was also the pairing of Se Hyun An as the fierce and seductive Mercedes with Adam Ashcroft’s elegant and commanding Espada—a duet that radiated passion, tension, and stylistic contrast.
This performance was also a testimony to ensemble excellence. From Nanaka Ogawa's ethereal Dryad Queen to the precise ensemble work of the corps de ballet, each role served a purpose in the narrative tapestry. Supporting roles like Sancho Panza (Hugo Martinez) and Don Quixote (Dillon Perry) reminded the audience that humor and poetry can coexist seamlessly on stage.
Behind this brilliance stood a dedicated creative team: costume designers Iñaki Cobos Guerrero and Roman Šolc, scenographers, choreographic assistants, lighting designers, and musical directors who breathed structure and atmosphere into the vision. Their work exemplifies that ballet is never the sum of isolated efforts but a synthesis of vision, memory, discipline, and art. Perhaps the most important figure in setting the artistic tone of the company, however, remains the artistic director.
At the helm of the National Theatre Brno Ballet is Mário Radačovský, whose leadership since the 2013/2014 season has been instrumental in elevating the company's artistic profile. A Slovak native, Radačovský's illustrious career began after graduating from the Eva Jaczová Dance Conservatory in Bratislava. He joined the Slovak National Theatre Ballet in 1989, quickly rising to the rank of soloist. His international experience includes performing with Jiří Kylián’s Netherlands Dance Theatre, where he collaborated with renowned choreographers such as Mats Ek, Nacho Duato, Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe, and Édouard Lock. In 1999, he became the principal dancer of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Returning to Slovakia, he served as the Artistic Director of the Slovak National Theatre Ballet from 2006 to 2010 and later founded Ballet Bratislava. In 2018, he completed a master's degree in choreography at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Radačovský's vision for the Brno company emphasizes a balance between classical and contemporary repertoire, aiming to transform it into a world-class ensemble. In addition to his artistic programming, he has enhanced the company's structure and long-term sustainability by introducing NdB2, a youth company that nurtures emerging talent, and NdB3, a platform for elder dancers—both inspired by the model of Jiří Kylián. These initiatives have added significant value to the institution, expanding its social and generational relevance.
To honor the ballet dancers of NdB is to honor the deep intelligence of the body, the endurance of tradition, and the power of ephemeral beauty made visible, night after night—a true manifestation of the power of presence that gives meaning to ballet, beauty, and becoming.
