• Wednesday, 04 March 2026

New book celebrates life of Macedonian ballet legend Toni Batalakovski

New book celebrates life of Macedonian ballet legend Toni Batalakovski

Skopje, 3 March 2026 (MIA) — The National Opera and Ballet will host a book launch at 7 pm for "My Journey," a new monograph honoring the life and career of Anton (Toni) Batalakovski, one of the most important figures in Macedonian ballet history.

 

Written by Sonja Zdravkova Dzheparoska and Aleksandar Trajkovski, the book tells the story of Batalakovski’s journey through the world of dance. It covers his personal struggles, his biggest professional achievements and his work as a performer and teacher.

 

"The monograph provides an interpretive overview of his stage career, his time teaching and directing rehearsals as well as many reminiscences about his personality and work as an artist," the authors said.

 

Batalakovski played a vital role in building the country’s ballet scene. As the principal ballet dancer and first director of the then National Ballet, his leadership, commitment and vision helped the institution grow into what it is today.

 

The authors describe the book as a tribute to his lifelong mission and a way to preserve his legacy for future generations.

 

The publication of "My Journey" was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. mr/