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Japanese Dancer Ryoma Hudzeleu Wins Gold at Moscow Ballet Competition
Ryoma Hudzeleu took first place in the senior men’s solo category at the International Ballet Competition held July 4 at the Bolshoi Theater. Two other Japanese dancers also earned medals in their respective categories.
Japan TimesAudio version
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Ryoma Hudzeleu, a 20-year-old Japanese national from Mitaka in western Tokyo, won the gold medal in the senior men’s solo category at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow. The event took place July 4 at the Bolshoi Theater. Hudzeleu, who has a Belarusian father and a Japanese mother, said after the win that he was happy because his skills have improved.
He joined the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in September 2025 and previously won silver in the boys’ duet category at the 2022 competition. Denis Watanabe, 18, also from Mitaka, won silver in the boys’ solo category.
Watanabe, whose father is from Belarus and who has been a childhood friend of Hudzeleu, said he was frustrated with the result despite the medal. Sakura Nagai, 16, from Nagoya, received the bronze medal in the girls’ solo category. Nagai said, “I never expected to win” the bronze medal.
“My steady practice has been recognized,” she said. “I’m glad I entered the competition,” she added with a smile. Japan Times reported the results from the competition.
