EST. 2013
EDITION 2026
How Opportunities & Support Can Change Lives
Giving opportunities and support can transform lives by unlocking potential, building confidence, and opening doors that were once closed. When people are given access to education, resources, or mentorship, they gain not only practical tools but also belief in their own abilities. Support allows individuals to grow rather than simply survive. One opportunity can create momentum, break cycles of hardship and inspire lasting positive change.
Egyptian Born Luca Abdel-Nour
Dutch National Ballet - Courpée
From Cairo to the World Stage: The Rise of Luca Abdel-Nour
Luca Abdel-Nour’s journey in ballet began far from the traditional centers of the art form. Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, he discovered classical dance at the age of twelve—a late start by ballet standards, yet one that would quickly reveal an uncommon drive and natural musicality. At the Premier Ballet Academy in Cairo, Luca immersed himself in a discipline rarely associated with his surroundings, forging his technique in a city where ballet remains both rare and quietly revolutionary.
By fourteen, Luca made the life-altering decision to leave Egypt in pursuit of professional training abroad. It was a leap of faith rooted in ambition and resilience—one that carried him first to Budapest, where he earned a scholarship to the Hungarian Dance Academy during the 2017–2018 season. There, he began shaping his classical foundation within a European tradition, while carrying with him the identity and perspective of an Egyptian artist navigating an unfamiliar world.
His talent soon garnered wider recognition. Awarded a scholarship from the Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation, Luca continued his studies at the Tanz Akademie Zürich under the leadership of Oliver Matz. Over three years in Switzerland, he refined both his technical precision and artistic voice, graduating in 2021 with a Federal Certificate of Competence in Classical Dance. It was during this formative period that Luca emerged on the international radar.
Selected to compete at the Prix de Lausanne in 2021, Luca delivered a performance that resonated well beyond the competition stage. He was awarded Second Prize, alongside the Web Audience Favourite Award and Best Swiss Candidate Award—an extraordinary achievement that affirmed not only his technical excellence, but his ability to connect across cultures and audiences.
That same year, Luca joined the Junior Company of Dutch National Ballet, working under the guidance of Ernst Meisner and Ted Brandsen. Over two seasons, he gained invaluable stage experience, performing alongside the main company while developing his artistry through the Junior Company’s demanding repertoire. His progression was swift and decisive: promoted to Élève in 2023, Corps de Ballet in 2024, and Coryphée in 2025.
Today, Luca Abdel-Nour stands as one of the few Egyptian-born dancers to rise through the ranks of a major European ballet company. With Dutch National Ballet, he has performed internationally across Europe, Asia, and the United States, dancing works that span the classical and contemporary canon. His repertoire includes roles such as Benvolio in Toer van Schayk’s Romeo and Juliet, Fritz in The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, Balanchine’s Rubies and Diamonds, David Dawson’s The Four Seasons, and multiple works by Hans van Manen.
Alongside his ascent as a dancer, Luca has cultivated a growing voice as a choreographer—one informed by classical rigor, contemporary sensitivity, and a personal narrative shaped by movement across cultures. His choreographic work reflects a refined musicality and an instinct for structure, revealing an artist equally attentive to detail and emotional resonance.
In a full-circle moment, Luca will return to Cairo to stage a world premiere for Gala de Danza, presented at the Grand Egyptian Museum—his first choreographic work to be created and performed in his country of birth. Set against one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural landmarks, the premiere marks a powerful homecoming: an Egyptian artist, shaped abroad, bringing his creative voice back to the place where his journey began.
Yet, despite his global trajectory, Luca’s roots remain integral to his identity. His story is one of movement not only across stages, but across borders—an artist shaped by Cairo, refined by Europe, and propelled onto the world stage. With his world premiere for Gala de Danza, Luca Abdel-Nour represents a new narrative: one where excellence emerges from unexpected places, and where an Egyptian voice finds expression through dance.
“I am deeply excited to return home to Egypt and dance there for the first time. This moment marks an important milestone for me, both personally and professionally. I am profoundly grateful and humbled that Christina Lyon has invited me to be part of Gala de Danza and entrusted me with such a meaningful occasion. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a monumental place for Egyptians, both at home and abroad, and I cannot wait to share my art within its walls. Returning home also means sharing this moment with my family, who are rarely able to see me perform. For all of this, I am truly grateful.” - Luca Abdel-Nour
Andres Zuniga
New York City Ballet - Soloist
Christina Lyon first came across Andres Zuniga when he came to watch Gala de Danza in 2013 in Los Cabos, Mexico where he is from. Lyon had just launched the Gala there and he came to watch the performance. He came backstage afterwards and said to her, “One day, I want to dance in your Gala!” she thought “Wow” that’s quite ambitious! She invited him to come take class the next day and was absolutely astounded by his natural ability and pure enthusiasm for dance. Lyon made a few calls and The Rock School in Pennsylvania accepted him. From there, he went on to compete at Youth America Grand Prix, the largest student dance competition in the world and received more scholarship opportunities than any other competitor that year. He was awarded a full scholarship to The School of American Ballet in New York and upon graduating received the May L. Wein Award. He then received a contract with The New York City Ballet where he became the first Mexican trained dancer of the company! He had returned to Gala to perform with Tiler Peck, Principal Dancer of the company and with the beautiful Emma Van Enck in GDD's London edition. A month after he was promoted to Soloist
Enrique Bejarano Vidal
Birmingham Ballet - First Soloist
It was the golden hour in Córdoba, Mexico, Christina Lyon went to observe a class and that is when she saw Enrique for the first time. Barely fifteen, with a quiet poise well beyond his years. It was as if his very soul had been molded by rhythm and silence. In that moment, Lyon saw it, “star power.” After the class, Lyon introduced herself and asked if he had ever heard of Gala de Danza. His eyes lit up, but he spoke modestly. “I’ve never danced outside of Mexico,” he said. “My father is a bullfighter. I was meant to follow him, but dance… dance found me.” Lyon extended an invitation on the spot. The Gala marked the turning point capturing the hearts of audiences and directors alike, and soon after, he was offered a place at the Princess Grace Academy in Monaco. Upon graduating, he received an invitation to join The Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the legendary Carlos Acosta. It was the perfect symmetry: the Cuban fire of Acosta guiding the Mexican soul of Enrique. “I knew this young gentleman emitted star power. His perseverance and determination is bar none, and he is truly a prince among men.” There is no doubt in Lyon's mind—Enrique is destined for greatness.
Tate Mcrae
(International Awarding Winning Singer/Songwriter)
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest dance network and dance education organization. They have awarded over $3,000,000 in scholarships to the world’s leading dance schools, and over 50,000 dancers have participated in YAGP’s workshops, scholarship auditions and master classes worldwide. Currently, over 300 YAGP alumni are dancing with 80 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Paris Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Royal Ballet, and Dutch National Ballet, among others.
Each year, YAGP conducts 12 regional semi-finals auditions throughout the United States and four international auditions in Brazil, Mexico, France and Japan. The season then culminates in the week-long New York City Finals, where more than 1,000 of the world’s most promising dancers — representing 30 countries on five continents — receive greater scholarship, professional, and performance opportunities.
New York City Ballet - Soloist
ANDRES ZUNIGA
Christina Lyon first came across Andres Zuniga when he came to watch Gala de Danza in 2013 in Los Cabos, Mexico where he is from. Lyon had just launched the Gala there and he came to watch the performance. He came backstage afterwards and said to her, “One day, I want to dance in your Gala!” she thought “Wow” that’s quite ambitious! She invited him to come take class the next day and was absolutely astounded by his natural ability and pure enthusiasm for dance. Lyon made a few calls and The Rock School in Pennsylvania accepted him. From there, he went on to compete at Youth America Grand Prix, the largest student dance competition in the world and received more scholarship opportunities than any other competitor that year. He was awarded a full scholarship to The School of American Ballet in New York and upon graduating received the May L. Wein Award. He then received a contract with The New York City Ballet where he became the first Mexican trained dancer of the company! He had returned to Gala to perform with Tiler Peck, Principal Dancer of the company and with the beautiful Emma Van Enck in GDD's London edition. A month after he was promoted to Soloist
Birmingham Royal Ballet - First Soloist
ENRIQUE BEJARANO VIDAL
It was the golden hour in Córdoba, Mexico, Christina Lyon went to observe a class and that is when she saw Enrique for the first time. Barely fifteen, with a quiet poise well beyond his years. It was as if his very soul had been molded by rhythm and silence. In that moment, Lyon saw it, “star power.” After the class, Lyon introduced herself and asked if he had ever heard of Gala de Danza. His eyes lit up, but he spoke modestly. “I’ve never danced outside of Mexico,” he said. “My father is a bullfighter. I was meant to follow him, but dance… dance found me.” Lyon extended an invitation on the spot. The Gala marked the turning point capturing the hearts of audiences and directors alike, and soon after, he was offered a place at the Princess Grace Academy in Monaco. Upon graduating, he received an invitation to join The Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the legendary Carlos Acosta. It was the perfect symmetry: the Cuban fire of Acosta guiding the Mexican soul of Enrique. “I knew this young gentleman emitted star power. His perseverance and determination is bar none, and he is truly a prince among men.” There is no doubt in Lyon's mind—Enrique is destined for greatness.
International Singer
TATE MCRAE
About Tate....