Iustin Răducanu is only 13 years old, but his name is already associated with performance at the highest level in contemporary ballet. Iustin has been awarded in the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign run by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. This project recognises and supports exceptional young people who can redefine the future of the country.
Iustin stormed to first place at the Youth America Grand Prix, the world's most prestigious international ballet competition for young people. The jury was blown away by his rare combination of strength, grace and stage maturity. Over the past two years, he has dominated the podiums of renowned competitions in Europe and the USA and has won international scholarships to Italy, Malta and Romania.
"My passion started when I was enrolled in a neighborhood school. My mom and dad saw me dancing around the house every day and decided we needed to move to Bucharest," says Iustin about his beginnings. Now, ballet is no longer just a passion: "It has started to become a life and something normal for me, which I love infinitely".
His daily training is outstanding for a teenager of his age. His days start at 6 a.m. with general knowledge classes and then he moves on to intensive training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, stretching and pilates. "The training is tough, the days are long and hard, but that doesn't get me down," asserts the young dancer.
Iustin trained at the "Floria Capsali" Choreography High School in Bucharest and is active in the Children and Youth Ballet Studio of the National Opera, where he is appreciated for his impeccable technique and sensitive interpretation.
Iustin Răducanu, considered by specialists to be a child prodigy of Romanian ballet, is a clear promise that Romania can climb the great international dance stages.
The campaign "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" is an initiative of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, which aims to identify and promote young people with outstanding achievements in fields such as science, art, sport or innovation. The 100 finalists are included in the Catalog of Romanian Excellence, available on fundatiadanvoiculescu.ro. Ballet dancer Iustin Răducanu was honored by partner Casa Jienilor, in appreciation of his talent and artistic performance. The distinction was offered within the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign, highlighting excellence in the art of dance.
Registration for the 2025 edition of the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign started in January and will close on December 31.
