May 4, 2004

Students participating in the USA International Ballet Competition’s CityDance program will showcase what they have learned at an upcoming program on May 25.

Organizers are planning a special observation class, open to parents, friends and the general public, at 4:30 p.m. at Operation Shoestring, located at 1711 Bailey Avenue in Jackson. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.

CityDance, an outreach program providing free dance lessons to economically disadvantaged children, is a new educational program offered by the USA IBC. Program participants are also
provided with free dancewear, courtesy of Capezio. Auditions for CityDance were held last fall, and the resulting class of 22 students has been working diligently with Jessica Jackson, CityDance instructor, throughout the academic year.

“We have been very impressed with the progress of our students this year,” said Peter Merz, artistic administrator at the USA IBC. “In fact, during the upcoming academic year, we plan to expand
the program to include both Ballet I and Ballet II classes.”

The observation class is designed to allow parents, friends and members of the general public to be involved in the program and support its participants. For next year’s CityDance students, program organizers are planning additional performance opportunities.

Michelle Mangum’s daughter, Alexis, has been involved in CityDance since the fall audition.

“She is really enjoying it,” said Mangum, of Jackson. “Alexis is a very shy girl, but through the program, she’s meeting other girls, and her social skills are developing. She’s being more assertive, and I feel that she has gained some confidence by going to these classes. She is definitely interested in coming back to take classes next year. She’s already asked me about it!”

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