Benois goes to Italy.

Last May, the Benois de la Danse shifted from Moscow to Vicenza, Italy. Past Benois heavy-weights from companies like Paris Ophra Ballet, the Kirov, and The Royal Ballet gathered for a spectacular gala. Founder Yuri Grigorovich and 2000 Benois de la Danse winner Alessandra Ferri presented Carlos Acosta, 2008 Benois winner, with his award, which he was unable to receive the previous year. The 2009 best dancers are NYCB's Joaquin De Luz and the Bolshoi's Ivan Vasiliev, while The Australian Ballet's Kirsty Martin and the Bolshoi's Natalia Osipova were named best ballerinas. The top choreographic prizes went to Wayne McGregor and Josh Martinez.

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