Founded in 2019 by Belgian-born principal dancer Alain Honorez, choreographer and dancer Altea Nuñez, and dance director Irma Swijnen, Junior Ballet Antwerp is a junior ballet company that offers talented, highly trained graduates from around the world the opportunity to perfect their technical skills and artistry through an intensive two-year experiential programme.
At its core are the dreams of young dancers who, having reached a high technical level, wish to further develop their mastery of ballet and pursue a professional career in a dance company. In an ever-changing and highly challenging cultural climate, gaining experience in a diverse range of dance techniques and styles, as well as performing on stage, is essential for emerging artists.
In 2024, Junior Ballet Antwerp celebrated its fifth anniversary with 2 brand-new productions: 5!, a celebration of 5 years of JBA, and JAMES, an ode to the painter and artist James Ensor, commemorating the 75th anniversary of his passing.
Honouring not one but two important art forms within Belgium’s cultural heritage, JAMES is a dynamic ballet performance choreographed by Italian dance maker Mauro de Candia. The production focuses on the life and work of James Ensor, transforming the colours and grotesque figures of his two-dimensional paintings into a captivating three-dimensional stage performance.
JAMES was specially created for the talented young artists of Junior Ballet Antwerp, providing them with an opportunity to grow, excel, and shine on stage.
The productionpremiered at the Antwerp Opera on 24 February 2024 and subsequently toured across Belgium.
