The Slovak Dance Theatre (SDT), founded in 2005 by celebrated choreographer and director Ján Ďurovčík, is today regarded as the most significant independent contemporary ballet company in Slovakia. From its inception, SDT has pursued a bold artistic vision, merging dance, drama, music, and visual spectacle into emotionally charged productions that reach both critics and audiences. On the international stage, SDT has achieved remarkable success. Its Firebird World Tour (2008–2009) brought Slovak dance to audiences in New York, London, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Krakow, Bytom, and more, confirming the company’s standing among Europe’s leading dance ensembles. Further tours with Carmen extended the company’s reach to Mexico, Finland, Croatia, Serbia, and Asia, consistently drawing standing ovations and glowing reviews. SDT’s productions are recognized for their innovation, emotional depth, and universal appeal, bridging Slovak creativity with the global performing arts scene.
Ján Ďurovčík is an internationally acclaimed Slovak choreographer and director, celebrated for his distinctive style and powerful stage language. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and the Institute for Dance in Antwerp, he began his career as a soloist with H.F. Dansetheatre Amsterdam before gaining recognition across Europe, Asia, and North America. As founder and artistic director of the Slovak Dance Theatre, he has brought Slovak contemporary dance to international stages through acclaimed tours and productions. His signature works include The Firebird, Rasputin, Carmen, and Richard III, alongside hit musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Romeo and Juliet, Saturday Night Fever, and The Eighth Continent — Slovakia’s most successful musical, seen by over 400,000 spectators. A Crystal Wing Award laureate, Ďurovčík has collaborated with leading institutions including the Slovak National Theatre, Prague State Opera, Opera Graz, and Tokyo Metropolitan City Ballet. As curator of the Chorea Festival, he continues to connect Slovak audiences with world-class ballet and contemporary dance.
