Kotaro Hirose of the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre "Balletweek," a comprehensive ballet information website operated by Marty Inc. (Headquarters: Mita Keio Residence 1F, 2-14-4 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo), delivers various ballet-related news, including information on competitions, workshops, ballet performances, and events. An interview with Kotaro Hirose, a ballet dancer from the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre who will be performing in the "Ballet Ensemble Gala Performances" held across various locations this summer, has been published. The interview covers a range of topics, including Hirose's upbringing and journey to becoming a ballet dancer in Russia, as well as the pieces he will be performing. - What kind of ballet company is the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre? - What inspired you to start ballet? - Why did you begin your career in Russia? - What are the highlights of this Ensemble Gala performance? We will share his aspirations for the performance from the many topics discussed in the interview. A scene captured during a performance on location. You are scheduled to appear in both the Tokyo and Kansai performances this year. This is your second time participating in a gala concert; what kind of pieces will you be dancing this time? For the Tokyo performance, I will be dancing "Spring Waters" by Rachmaninoff. It's a ballet piece choreographed to a song that originally had lyrics. The dynamic dance, which evokes the breath of spring arriving on the winter earth, is a highlight. For the Kansai performance, I will be dancing the Adagio of Cinderella and the Prince from Act 2 of "Super Cinderella," an original work by my company. It portrays the growing attraction between the two characters as they have a fateful encounter at a ball, with contemporary choreography. There will be several lifts not seen in classical works, so it's a piece I really want you to see. I feel a sense of responsibility performing on the same stage as dancers active worldwide. I will