Daria Maria Toma, a young ballerina from Bucharest, aged only 13, is the first participant in the "100 Young People for the Development of Romania" campaign, initiated by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania.
Daria was drawn to the world of ballet from the age of 3, receiving a gift that would change her life: a mat and a ballet bar. Under the guidance of choreographer Magdalena Rovinescu at the Bucharest National Opera's Ballet Studio for Children and Youth, Daria developed her natural talent and began to make a name for herself on the national and international stage. She performed roles in shows such as "Alice in Wonderland" at the National Opera Theatre "Ion Dacian" and "Snow White" at the Bucharest National Opera.
Daria's Dream
She is currently a student at the "Floria Capsali" Choreography High School, and dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. She has won dozens of awards at national and international ballet competitions, including "Dance Star World" and "Grand Prix Vienna". From 5-10 December 2023, Daria represented Romania at the semi-final of the Youth America Grand Prix competition in Barcelona, where she competed alongside hundreds of young people around the world. Recognizing Daria's talent, the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania decided to support her participation in this important event for her career.
On stage in Barcelona, Daria won over the jury with her grace, performing a modern dance, "Father left in Sarajevo", choreographed by Cecilia Blioju, and two classical ballet pieces, "Talisman" and "Aurora", both under the meticulous guidance of choreographer Magdalena Rovinescu. Daria harmoniously blended technique and expressiveness and returned from the Youth America Grand Prix with two scholarships - to the International Summer School Volta Mantovana in Italy and to the PNSD Rosella Hightower's National Center of Higher Education in Dance in Cannes Mougins, France. Her ranking in the Top 12 Junior Women Contemporary at this international competition is also a testament to her extraordinary abilities and outstanding artistic potential.
Who are the 100 Youngsters for Romania's Development
The "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign aims to discover 100 talented and successful children and young people and award them on 1 December 2024 at the "Gala of Excellence". The Foundation believes that promoting these national values is not only a duty but also a great honour. Anyone can make a nomination at www.fundatiadanvoiculescu.ro. Details are available on the link to the press release.
