Congratulations, Jiri!

 Dear Jiří Kylián,

 On behalf of the Czech National Ballet, I extend our profound congratulations on your conferral of the Order of the White Lion, the nation’s highest decoration for service to the Czech Republic. This exceptional recognition is a testament to your significant and ongoing contribution to the art of dance and to the international promotion of Czech culture.

 Your career journey from its roots at the Prague Dance Conservatory to a globally recognised and celebrated choreographer is inspirational. Your work with the Stuttgart Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater has not only expanded the boundaries of dance but also paved the way for many future generations of artists. Your focus on artistic growth and mentorship is demonstrated through the founding of NDT 2, which supports upcoming generations of dancers.

 With a repertoire spanning over a hundred choreographies   performed by companies worldwide, your influence on the dance community is unparalleled. Recognition by the Académie des beaux-arts and accolades such as the Laurence Olivier Award and the Order of Orange-Nassau further affirm your global impact.

 Today’s honour celebrates your impact and, importantly, your legacy—a legacy that will continue to inspire artists and wow audiences worldwide for generations. It is an honor for our dancers to rehearse future ballets in the studio that proudly bears your name, the Kylián Ballet Studio. It is a legacy that also inspires leaders in the arts, like me, to continue to strive further in the interest of our art.

 Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. All of us at the Czech National Ballet look forward to celebrating and sharing many more of your remarkable achievements in the years to come.

 

 Warm regards,
 Filip Barankiewicz
 Artistic Director
 Czech National Ballet