On August 7, dancers from various countries arrived in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to participate in the 2025 Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition. Many of them are visiting Shenyang for the first time and are eager to embark on a wonderful ballet journey. For the upcoming competition, they are also filled with confidence.

Hasmik, a ballet dancer from the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, is visiting Shenyang for the first time, showing her enthusiasm for exploration. Hasmik knows Shenyang is a city with a profound history, boasting magnificent ancient Chinese architecture and world-renowned cultural heritage sites, and she particularly wants to visit the Shenyang Imperial Palace. “I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming competition. Competing with dancers from all over the world and learning from each other in Shenyang will surely be very rewarding. My entries are variations on Don Quixote and Paquita. I’ve been practicing these two dance pieces repeatedly before coming to China, and I hope to do well in the competition,” said Hasmik.

Charles Casen, a French competitor from the Bordeaux National Opera Ballet (Le Ballet de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux) in France is also visiting Shenyang for the first time. Casen expressed his deep joy at participating in the competition. “Whether or not I win a prize, I’ll enjoy my time here,” he said.

Reyna, a Singaporean dancer, and Sisley, an Indonesian dancer, are from the Yan Ballet Academy. Reyna said participating in the competition is all about experiencing and enjoying the process. Both of them cherish the opportunity to compete and learn from global dancers in Shenyang, hoping to make friends with more ballet enthusiasts.