🌟 An Extraordinary Opportunity Awaits! 🌟
We are thrilled to announce Erminia Gambarelli, the legendary Artistic Director of the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, as one of our official judges at the Galaxy Dance Competition! ✨💫
This year, she brings an unparalleled reward: the most promising talent will be personally selected by her to experience life with the Cairo Ballet Company! 🩰🌍
Dr. Sahar Helmy Hilaly 🇪🇬Egypt
A distinguished Professor at the Higher Institute of Ballet, Academy of Arts.
Former Prima Ballerina and Ballet Coach at the Cairo Opera Ballet Company.
Former Member of the Supreme Council of Culture.
Head of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture Ballet Competition (2024).
Dr. Sahar is also the presenter of “Art of Ballet”, the Egyptian Television program dedicated to classical ballet and dance culture.
In 2014, she was chosen by Radio Netherlands Worldwide (Arabic Section) among the Top 100 Distinguished Arab Women in celebration of International Women’s Day, established by the United Nations.
A symbol of grace, intelligence, and dedication to Egyptian ballet. 🌹
Welcome Dr. Sahar Helmy Hilaly to the Galaxy Dance Competition 2026 Jury Panel. ✨
Zoë Greten 🇳🇱
Where passion meets excellence, and the world’s finest artists come together on one stage. 🌍
This year, we are honoured to welcome one of Europe’s most inspiring dance figures 🔥
An exceptional Dutch dancer, choreographer, and educator from the Netherlands, Zoë is a graduate of the prestigious Dutch National Ballet Academy and a former NDT 2 apprentice. Recognized for her unique artistic vision, she has created works for the Dutch National Ballet and presented them at renowned venues such as Dutch Dance Days and Korzo Theatre, where she received the Leo Spreksel Award (2025). 🌟
We are proud to announce that Zoë Greten will join the International Jury of Galaxy Dance Competition 2026 and lead an exclusive workshop for all participating dancers ✨a rare opportunity to learn from one of Europe’s rising stars. 💫
Loay Ahmed
is a distinguished ballet professional and one of Egypt’s most accomplished ballet masters.
He was a former soloist dancer at the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, and later became Deputy Director of the Higher Institute of Ballet at the Academy of Arts, where he also earned his Doctorate with honors.
Throughout his career, Loay has been recognized for his artistic excellence, his refined teaching methods, and his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of Egyptian ballet artists.
His vast experience, both on stage and in education, makes him one of the most respected figures in Egypt’s ballet scene.
Galaxy is honored to welcome Dr. Loay Ahmed as an International Judge for this edition of the competition. 🌟
Karima Beder
Egypt 🇪🇬
Renowned Egyptian choreographer and artistic director whose work blends contemporary movement with the timeless spirit of Ancient Egypt.
A former soloist at the Cairo Opera House Modern Dance Company, Karima has built a distinguished career across the Arab world and Europe, creating powerful productions such as Bahia, Hatshepsut, Isis, and Zenobia with Forsan El Sharq Heritage Company.
Her choreography celebrates the strength and grace of the Egyptian woman, transforming pharaonic heritage into modern theatrical art.
Karima has collaborated with international festivals and television networks like MBC4, and led workshops across Tunisia, France, and Egypt.
A true guardian of Egyptian identity in the world of contemporary dance, Karima Beder continues to inspire with her bold vision and artistic depth.
Welcome Karima Beder to Galaxy✨
SABRINA BOSCO 🇮🇹
Former solo dancer in several European theaters, an outstanding Ballet Master and Choreographer who left her mark in Vienna Opera, Varna Opera, Brno Opera, and Kosice Opera.
Guest choreographer at the Miami International Dance Festival for four years and jury member in the most important European competitions…
🌟 We are honored to welcome:
SABRINA BOSCO International Judge
She will be judging the Ballet Category at GALAXY 2026! 🩰
Armando Ghukasyan
A distinguished international dance leader, choreographer, and visionary figure in the global performing arts scene.
He is the President of the World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA), the World Union of Professional Choreographers (WUPC), and the Armenian National Ballet Association.
🎭 With decades of experience, Professor Armando has served as an international judge in numerous world-class competitions and as an art producer and festival organizer in more than 25 countries.
He is recognized as an Honorary Art Worker and Honorary Art Professor, celebrated for his dedication to elevating artistic education and cross cultural collaboration.
💫 As the Art Leader of Gold Stars Dance Studio, he has guided generations of dancers toward excellence, combining Armenian passion with international standards.
A World and European Champion in Folk, Modern, and Latin dances, Armando Ghukasyan continues to inspire the international dance community through his leadership, creativity, and unshakable artistic spirit.
🤝✨
Mr. Hazem Zakaria, founder and artistic director of Galaxy Dance Competition, is set to establish a strong future collaboration with Mr. Armando Ghukasyan, bringing together talented Egyptian dancers and international artists under one artistic vision.
This partnership marks the beginning of an inspiring exchange between cultures, creativity, and passion for dance, connecting Egypt with the world through the power of movement. 🌍💫
⭐️ Galaxy Dance Competition 2026 is honored to welcome one of the world’s most respected figures in performing arts.
NEW CATEGORY SPECIAL ABILITIES
At Galaxy, we believe that dance is for everyone.
This new category welcomes dancers with special abilities to express their passion, energy, and love for movement on stage.
Dr. Hassan Mohamed
From the Academy of Arts – Higher Institute of Ballet,
he holds a PhD in Philosophy of Arts and specializes in the inclusion of people with special needs through dance and movement therapy.
Founder and Artistic Director of the Special Abilities Program at the Higher Institute of Ballet,
Dr. Hassan has conducted pioneering research focused on developing the skills of children with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other special needs through ballet and expressive movement.
He has received several national and international honors, including:
🏅 United Nations Organization for Arts (UN Art) Medal – 2018
🏅 “Teach Them the Love of Life” Initiative Award for People of Determination – 2019
🏅 Certificate of Appreciation from the Knights of Challenge Association for Humanitarian Services – 2020
🏅 Honor Award from Ana Fanen Foundation for People of Determination – 2023
Dr. Hassan joins the judging panel for the Special Abilities Category at the Galaxy Dance Competition 2026,
where a special segment will take place on April 25, dedicated exclusively to dancers with special abilities.
They will compete in a joyful and inspiring atmosphere that celebrates their talent, creativity, and the true belief that art is a universal language that transcends all boundaries. 🌟
📅 April 24–25, 2026 – Teatro Arkan
💫 A special competition time will be dedicated on April 25 to celebrate the talent and creativity
GDC 🇪🇬✨