[Lead Cast Announced] Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026 Kansai: Slovenian National Ballet Principal and Former K-BALLET TOKYO Star to Perform

Marty Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo) has announced that the 'Ballet Ensemble Gala 2026 Kansai' will be held on Sunday, August 9. For its 5th anniversary, the gala will feature Kenta Yamamoto from the Slovenian National Ballet and Saya Narita, formerly of K-BALLET TOKYO, performing highlights from 'Swan Lake' (Acts 2 and 3).

Bringing World-Class Artistry to Japanese Audiences: The organizer emphasizes the importance of connecting the international careers of Japanese dancers with the domestic community. By creating opportunities for dancers to perform in Japan during their off-season, the gala aims to foster a community and pass down professional experience to the next generation of dancers. This performance showcases the 'present' of these elite artists and their dedication to the craft.

Lead / Prince Siegfried: Kenta Yamamoto (Principal, Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana) Originally from Kyoto, Yamamoto studied at the Shanghai Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School in the UK. After joining the Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana, he made history in 2023 as the company's first Japanese male dancer promoted to Principal.

Lead / Odette-Odile: Saya Narita (Former K-BALLET TOKYO) Hailing from Osaka, Narita studied at the State Academy of Ballet Mannheim in Germany. Following a successful career at the Universal Ballet in Korea, she joined K-BALLET TOKYO as a Principal Soloist in 2018 and performed there until March 2025.

About Slovenian National Ballet Ljubljana: Based in the historic Ljubljana Opera and Ballet Theatre, the company is renowned for its high artistic standards in Europe. It balances classical traditions with contemporary works, characterized by delicate expression and harmony with music.

The Significance of Kansai-born Dancers Leading the Stage: This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the energy of world-class professional dancers in the Kansai region. It provides a unique space for the next generation of dancers to witness international standards first-hand and find inspiration in their successful 'seniors' who have taken flight from Kansai to the global stage.