Photo by Foteini Christofilopoulo
The National Ballet of Japan has been nominated for the Stef Stefanou Award for Outstanding Company at the 26th National Dance Awards, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious distinctions in the field of dance. The nomination places the Tokyo-based company among the leading international ensembles recognised by the Critics’ Circle for performances staged in the UK during 2025.
The recognition follows the company’s appearance at London’s Royal Opera House in July 2025, where it presented a critically acclaimed production of Giselle. The performances received widespread international praise, including five-star reviews, and were later listed among the best dance productions of the year by major outlets such as The New York Times and The Daily Telegraph.
Organised annually since 2000 by the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle, the National Dance Awards are unique in being decided exclusively by professional dance critics. This year’s edition saw 379 nominees across companies, choreographers and performers, reflecting growing international competition and the increasing visibility of non-UK ensembles.
The National Ballet of Japan is one of just ten international companies shortlisted in the Outstanding Company category, underscoring its rising global profile and the strengthening presence of Japanese performing arts on the world stage.
The winners will be announced on 15 June at a ceremony held at the Coronet Theatre in London, where the Tokyo-based company will compete with leading European and international institutions for one of the sector’s most respected honours.
