August 3, 2004

The USA International Ballet Competition will hold auditions for CityDance, a program providing free dance lessons to Jackson’s economically disadvantaged children, on Saturday, August 21. Only children between the ages of seven and ten are eligible to participate in the program, and no prior dance training is required. Auditions, which will begin at 10 a.m., will be held at Operation Shoestring, located at 1711 Bailey Avenue in Jackson. Auditions are open to both boys and girls, and children should attend the audition dressed in loose, comfortable clothing.

CityDance, which kicked off its inaugural year last fall, provides students with free dance lessons, held twice weekly, throughout the academic year.

“We were very pleased with the success of last year’s CityDance program,” said Peter Merz, artistic administrator at the USA IBC. “Our students were dedicated to attending the classes, and they presented a fine performance at the end of the year. We were also delighted with the support we received from the parents of CityDance students. They were wonderful advocates of the program.”

The capstone of last year’s CityDance program was an observation class, well-attended by parents and friends, that showcased what the students had learned during the preceding year. Parents of CityDance students hosted a reception immediately following the observation class, offering students, parents and staff members from both the USA IBC and Operation Shoestring an opportunity to socialize and discuss the students’ progress.

Program planners will expand the program this year to accommodate more students and include classes representing different levels of ballet training. In addition, USA IBC organizers are planning to create more performance opportunities for this year’s participants. These opportunities may include a holiday performance and a larger year-end program.

CityDance is sponsored by Capezio, the ArtsAlliance of Jackson & Hinds County, and HisWay Homes. The USA IBC is currently searching for additional CityDance sponsors. For more information about sponsoring the program or participating in CityDance, contact the USA IBC at 601-355-9853 or usaibc@netdoor.com.

Click here to see photos from this audition!