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On 4 November, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb marked the 150th anniversary of Croatian ballet with a special presentation of its anniversary programme, held in the Theatre foyer.

The beginnings of Croatian ballet date back to 1876, when the first ballet scenes were choreographed by Ivana Freisinger and performed by her ballerinas as part of the premiere of Ivan pl. Zajc’s opera Nikola Šubić Zrinjski at the CNT in Zagreb, then located in the Upper Town. With that performance, a 150-year history of Croatian ballet began.

This significant anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on a century and a half of rich artistic tradition, pay tribute to the generations of ballet artists who have shaped the history of Croatian ballet, and reflect on the future of this art form.

The anniversary celebration also placed particular emphasis on the importance of sustained support for young artists, their education and professional development, as well as the creation of the necessary conditions for the development of new generations of ballet artists.

On the occasion, Dr Iva Hraste Sočo, General Manager and Artistic Director of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, said: “Marking 150 years of Croatian ballet is not merely an occasion to look back on an exceptional artistic tradition and the generations who shaped it, but it is also a moment to reflect on our responsibility towards the future. The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb brings this responsibility to fruition by providing concrete support to young dancers, their education and professional development. The scholarship programme and the establishment of the Ballet Studio are important steps towards building a bridge between ballet education and the professional ballet world. We want to give young Croatian artists the opportunity to develop their talent, fulfil their artistic ambitions and become part of the future of Croatian ballet.”

The Zagreb Ballet Achieving Its Full Artistic Potential

Today, the CNT Ballet ensemble is rejuvenated, dynamic and versatile, meeting the demands of a wide range of choreographic styles with considerable artistic skill, ranging from classical and neoclassical to modern and contemporary ballet. Over the past four years, the ensemble has undergone an almost complete generational renewal, with the number of dancers aged between 18 and 30 quadrupling.

Denis Matvienko, Artistic Director of the CNT Ballet in Zagreb, highlighted the importance of the artistic development of the ensemble and of bringing its rich tradition into dialogue with new generations: “Croatian ballet has an exceptional history and a strong artistic tradition that provides a firm foundation for the future. Today, the CNT Ballet is a youthful, energetic and artistically versatile company, ready to take on a wide range of choreographic challenges and ambitious productions. I consider the development of young dancers and the creation of opportunities for them to progress, refine their skills and fulfil their full potential equally important. It is our intention to establish the CNT Ballet as a meeting point for artistic excellence, new ideas and generations that will carry this tradition forward.”

Systematic Support for New Generations of Ballet Artists

An important step in the development of Croatian ballet was taken in 2022, when, during the first season of the new management of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, the scholarship programme for students of the School of Classical Ballet was reinstated. The programme provides young dancers with additional support throughout their education and helps ease their transition from training into the professional ballet world. This commitment to the future continued on 4 November 2024 with the establishment of the CNT Ballet Studio, headed by Ballet principal Tomislav Petranović. The Studio provides young Croatian dancers with additional time to refine their skills, access to professional support and the necessary conditions for developing the various abilities required for a professional career.

The results of this approach are already evident. At the Slavenska Prix International Ballet Competition, Katarina Bužić won the silver medal in the senior category, while Vera Kreitmeyer took bronze in the junior category. Vito Križnjak, a former Ballet Studio student, went on to continue his training at the Hungarian Dance University in Budapest, while Luna Jušić and Katarina Bužić are now members of the CNT Ballet ensemble in Zagreb. Paulina Žanetić, who received a CNT scholarship in the 2022/2023 season, has also joined the company.

In the 2026/2027 season, Irma Galunić and Neva Dokmanović joined the scholarship programme, while the Ballet Studio continues to bring together young artists and support them on their path towards a professional career. The CNT in Zagreb further supports the development of young dancers by involving students of the School of Classical Ballet in major ballet productions. Almost fifty students took part in Nureyev’s The Nutcracker, while the youngest were given the opportunity to perform in Paul Chalmer’s production of The Sleeping Beauty. Such experiences allow young dancers to gain first-hand experience of professional ballet. At the same time, they provide an excellent opportunity to promote ballet, increase the visibility of ballet training and build new audiences.

In Memory of Sonja Kastl

The 150th anniversary of Croatian ballet is being celebrated on the same day that the CNT in Zagreb marks the 150th anniversary of the premiere of Ivan pl. Zajc’s opera Nikola Šubić Zrinjski with a special performance. Both anniversaries are linked by the memory of Sonja Kastl (1929–2026), the distinguished ballerina, choreographer and ballet teacher who passed away on 25 October this year. Her choreographic work has been an integral part of opera productions since 1962, most notably in Krešimir Dolenčić’s timeless production dating back to 1994, which remains in the Theatre’s repertoire to this day. Her choreography for the ballet scene in the fourth tableau and the dance in the scene of Jelena’s dream remain a lasting part of this production’s artistic heritage. The anniversary performance was dedicated to her memory and her outstanding contribution to Croatian dance and theatre.