Vlastimil Harapes, a renowned figure in the world of ballet, choreographer, and creator of theatrical, film, and television productions, was born on July 24, 1946, in Chomutov.
He completed his studies at the State Conservatory in 1965 and began his career as a solo dancer with the National Theatre's ballet company in Prague in 1971. Harapes later performed as a guest artist in Hungary, Romania, Spain, Austria, and from 1977 to 1983 was a regular guest artist at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf/Duisburg, where he danced in productions such as "Bajadéra", "Labutí jezero", "Šípková Růženka", and "Orfeo". He also performed at the ballet festival in Cuba on several occasions.
After his time abroad, Harapes returned to the National Theatre in Prague in 1989 as a choreographer and director of ballet. He has also occasionally performed at the F. X. Šaldy Theatre in Liberec.
As an actor, Harapes has been active since the 1960s, appearing in films such as "Starci na chmelu" and "Markéta Lazarová", in which he played the role of the young Count Kristián. He also played the role of the teacher of ballet in the comedies "Jak vytrhnout velrybu stolíčku", "Jak dostat tatínka do polepšovny", and "Jak se krotí krokodýli".
Today, Harapes is considered a member of the European ballet elite. He is a member of the board of the Kylián Foundation in Prague, a member of the jury at the international classical dance competition Prix Carpeaux in France, and the chairman of the Philip Morris Ballet Flower Award. Harapes has also taught classical dance in Florence, Rome, and at the Dance Conservatory in Prague. Additionally, he serves as the honorary chairman of the Special Olympics movement.
