May 10, 2007

Students participating in the USA International Ballet Competition’s (USA IBC) CityDance program will showcase what they have learned at an upcoming performance on May 17.

The year-end CityDance program is open to parents, friends and the general public. It will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Large Rehearsal Hall of the Mississippi Arts Center, located at 201 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.

CityDance is an educational outreach program offered by the USA IBC that provides free dance lessons to economically disadvantaged children. Program participants are also provided with free dancewear, courtesy of His Way, Inc.

Auditions for CityDance were held last fall, and the resulting class of 40 students spent the school year working under the direction of Jessica Britton, CityDance instructor.

“The young dancers involved in this year’s CityDance program are exceptional,” said Britton. “The determination, consistency and love for dance these students have shown are amazing. These students have truly developed an understanding about dance and enriched their lives.”

Select dancers from the USA IBC’s CityDance program recently got the chance to perform at Thalia Mara Hall with Ballet Mississippi dancers at their repertory program, Let the Music Dance.

“CityDance provides the children with many fundamental life skills such as discipline, responsibility and an appreciation for the performing arts.” said Sue Lobrano, Executive Director of the USA IBC. “Dance training is also a great combination of physical exercise and social interaction for these young children.”

The USA IBC is currently searching for sponsors for next year’s CityDance program. For more information about the CityDance program or sponsorship opportunities, call the USA IBC at 601.355.9853.

For more information about CityDance, click here.