Riho Sakamoto principal dancer del Dutch National Ballet vince l'Alexandra Radius Prize 2026

Riho Sakamoto, principal dancer with Dutch National Ballet, is the winner of the 2026 Alexandra Radius Prize. The prize (€5,000 and a commemorative medal) was presented to Sakamoto by Alexandra Radius herself on Thursday evening, 10 September 2026. The presentation took place during the premiere of Legacies, Dutch National Ballet’s opening programme of the new season, at Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam. According to the jury, Sakamoto excels both technically and through her exceptional artistry and interpretation of her roles. Sakamoto will perform in the programme Legacies until 27 September, and from mid-October in the ballet classic Swan Lake.

Riho Sakamoto: “Receiving this award marks a very significant moment for me, being a part of the Dutch National Ballet for a little over 10 years. My goal has never been to receive something for my dancing – it’s never been a motivation of mine. If anything, my drive has always been to give my everything to the audience – hoping that they’re left with something when they leave the theatre. By receiving this award, I believe that my goals are recognized and it encourages me to keep inspiring my audience.” The jury on Riho Sakamoto The task of the Alexandra Radius Prize jury “was not a difficult one” this season. As the jury report states: “Among the many wonderful achievements by dancers of all ranks, there was one dancer who stood out early on and continued to do so throughout the season.” That dancer was Riho Sakamoto, who “astounded the jury with a remarkable step forwards, both with regard to technique and in her exceptional artistry and interpretation of her roles.” The jury went on to praise, among other things, Sakamoto’s “radiant stage personality and strong dramatic skills” in Toer van Schayk’s 7th Symphony as part of the programme Monument, as well as her performances as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Clara in The Nutcracker and the Mouse King , and both Alida and Nikiya in La Bayadère, along with her appearances in Ted Brandsen’s Carmen and David Dawson’s Empire Noir. “And in Hans van Manen’s Kammerballett, in front of a sold-out Carré, she absolutely excelled herself,” the jury concluded. “(...) Since Sol León, on whom Van Manen created the role in 1995, there has been nobody as wonderful as Riho.” Read the full jury report HERE. Alexandra Radius Prize The Alexandra Radius Prize was initiated by the Friends of Dutch National Ballet (now: Friends of Dutch National Opera & Ballet) and is presented annually to the dancer of Dutch National Ballet who has distinguished themselves most notably over the past dance season. The prize consists of €5,000 and a commemorative medal donated by one of the Friends of Dutch National Ballet. The Alexandra Radius Prize was presented for the 37th time this evening. Jury Alexandra Radius Prize 2026 This year’s Alexandra Radius Prize jury comprised: namesake Alexandra Radius (former principal with Dutch National Ballet), Alexander Zhembrovskyy (former soloist with Dutch National Ballet and owner of the dance and fitness studios named after him), Astrid van Leeuwen (dance journalist and publicist), Frederik Redelé (board member of the Dutch National Opera & Ballet Fund) and Patrons of Dutch National Opera & Ballet Annemieke Cats, Julia Samson and Joan Termeer-Blom. Riho Sakamoto Riho Sakamoto (Osaka, Japan) studied at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. In 2010, she won the gold medal at the Youth America Grand Prix, and in 2014 she joined Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company. Just one year later, she made the transition to Dutch National Ballet as an élève. She was promoted every year thereafter, and was appointed principal dancer in 2021. In 2024, Sakamoto was nominated for Dance Europe’s Dancer of the Year Award. That same year, she took a leave of absence from Dutch National Ballet to dance for a season with Staatsballett Berlin. She returned to Dutch National Ballet at the start of the 2025–2026 season. 12/09 Comunicato Stampa Foto: Altin Kaftira Info: www.operaballet.nl bellaunavitaalloperablogspot.com