While music fans are still reeling from this year's Fuji Rock Festival (and prepping for Rock in Japan and Summer Sonic ahead), classical music fans are just warming up as the World Ballet Festival is set to hit Tokyo this weekend.
Held every three years since 1976, the festival brings together the global stars of dance from Aug. 1 to 13 for a fortnight of explosive pairings at Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo's Taito Ward.
Vladimir Malakhov, the current artistic adviser of the Tokyo Ballet, says that this 14th edition of the festival will be very special as the most talented dancers from around the world are united on one stage — something the event has sought to achieve since it began in 1976.