Rector of the Hungarian Dance Academy since July 1, 2011, György Szakály was a member of the 2015 Prix de Lausanne’s jury.

Mr. Szakály studied at the Hungarian Dance Academy, from where he graduated in 1976. Then he obtained a one-year scholarship to the Vaganova Ballet Academy (that time Leningrad). He became member of the Hungarian National Ballet (company of the Opera) in 1977. Besides guestperformances with the Hungarian National Ballet he was guest soloist of the Dortmund Opera from 1985 to 1988, and first soloist of the Bonn Opera between 1988-1991.

His major roles are: Giselle – Albert, Swan Lake – Prince, The Nutcracker – Prince, Romeo and Juliette – Mercutio, Midsummer night’sdream – Oberon, Sylvia – Orion, Don Quijote – Espada, Anna Karenina – Karenin, Spartacus – Spartacus, Zorba – Zorba, La fille mal gardée – Simone, The Miracolous Mandarin – Mandarin, Balanchine: Symphony in C, Agon.

Besides dancing Mr. Szakaly is also active as ballet master and choreographer. After earlier teaching activities he returned to the Hungarian Dance Academy in 2003 where he is currently Professor. After serving as Deputy Rector for several years, he was nominated Rector in 2011.