MIBC Open Asia 2025 Winners Announced

The 2nd edition of the Miami International Ballet Competition (MIBC) Open Asia concluded in a spectacular celebration of dance, featuring outstanding young talents, prestigious awards, and unforgettable performances. The competition, held at the Stage 1 Theater, brought together top-tier ballet competitors from across the globe, offering them unparalleled opportunities for artistic growth and professional advancement.

The success of the competition is in part owed to the celebrated jury members: Claresta Alim, director of Performing Arts at the Marlupi Dance Academy; Etienne Diaz, artistic director of The Rock School for Dance Education; and Leo Sorribes, artistic director and choreographer for the Ballet de Catalunya. As a part of the masterclasses offered to competitors, Kenny Shim, artistic director of the Kenny Shim Dance Collective, provided contemporary dance classes along with Maestro Vladimir Issaev and members of the jury who offered technique and variations masterclasses. The Gala Performance was a breathtaking highlight of the event, celebrating the top competitors’ hard work and dedication.

Beyond the medals and cash prizes, MIBC awarded over 70 scholarships to some of the most renowned international ballet schools and summer programs, providing young dancers with life-changing opportunities. Institutions granting scholarships included: Asia Ballet Academy, Ballet de Catalunya, BalletMet, International Ballet Competition Belgium, Ballet School of Belgium, The Rock School for Dance Education, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, Marlupi Dance Academy, Grande Fête Ballet Competition, Star of Canaan International Ballet Competition, Ballet Nacional do Brasil, and The Florida Ballet.

In the Classical Category, Malaysia’s Zi Yang Ng won Gold in Division A, while Wen Xin Chow, Airi Urakawa, and Hsu-Anne Kee claimed Gold, Silver, and Bronze in Division B. Indonesia’s Shifa Ilyana Audrey took Gold in Division C, with Malaysia’s Nora Yinuo Chen and Yu Xin Peh earning Silver and Bronze. Division D saw a Gold Medal tie between Malaysia’s Szu Zenn Ong and Japan’s Mamiko Murata, followed by Malaysia’s Ameliya Babkina (Silver) and Yong Qin Chow (Bronze). Malaysia’s Yi Ki Yap won Gold in Division E, joined by Japan’s Nanoha Takase (Silver) and Malaysia’s Quek Tzyy En (Bronze). Malaysia’s Wing Yan Kor secured Bronze in Division F.

In the Contemporary Category, Malaysia’s Arabella Leia Szusgien and Norah Yinuo Chen won Gold in Divisions B and C, respectively, with Malaysia’s Ariana Min Jia (Silver, Division B) and Japan’s Ena Ishihara (Silver, Division C) following. Malaysia’s Seoyoon Park earned Bronze in Division C. Division D Gold went to Malaysia’s Ameliya Babkina, with Leanna Marie Shue Lynn Ng (Malaysia) and Japan’s Riho Sumida taking Silver and Bronze. Malaysia’s Yi Ki Yap and Japan’s Nanoha Takase secured Gold and Silver in Division E.

The Duo/Trio Category Gold Medal was awarded to Japan’s Riho Sumida and Nanoha Takase for their outstanding performance. Special awards included the Best Choreographer Award, shared by Japan’s Kishida Azusa and Toru Shimazaki, and the Founders Encouragement Award, given to Malaysia’s Min Han Chow for embodying classical ballet’s artistry.

The success of the 2nd edition of MIBC Open Asia was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, including: Grishko, My First Tiara, CrossNation, and Precise Rehab.

The Miami International Ballet Competition remains committed to fostering excellence in ballet and supporting the next generation of artists. For a complete list of winners and more information, visit www.miamiibc.org

Duo Trio Gold – Nanoha Takase & Riho Sumida, Photo credit MIBC