Ballet's "Oscars"—'Benois de la Danse'—Feted in Moscow

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Stars of the ballet world win the coveted 'Benois de la Danse' prize on the Bolshoi stage in Moscow. This is where the prize-giving first began 20 years ago.

The winners of the Benois de la Danse prize were announced on Tuesday, followed by a gala performance by previous prize winners on Wednesday.

The Benois de la Danse prize, often dubbed the 'Oscars' of the dance world, was established in Moscow by the International Dance Association and was first awarded on the Bolshoi stage in April 1992.

Bolshoi Ballet Master and famed choreographer, Yuri Grigorovich—the president of the prize jury— welcomed it home for its 20th anniversary.

[Yuri Grigorovich, Bolshoi Ballet Master]:
"I am really happy that this prize has returned to the very stage where it all began, to the stage of our Bolshoi Theatre. It's wonderful that 20 years on, we are celebrating here where it all began, as I said."

Prizes were given for, among others, best male dancer and best choreographer.

[Lar Lubovitch, Benois De La Danse Choreography Winner]:
"For some crazy reason, I make dances. And what's more crazy is that the world allows me to do that. And my grandparents left Russia in between the first and second world wars, and they would be extremely proud to see me standing on the stage of the Bolshoi with this award."

Michel Legrand was awarded as the best composer for 'Liliom'.

On Wednesday night, Bolshoi patrons were wowed by a gala performance of last year's Benois de la Danse winners.