March 8, 2006

The USA International Ballet Competition and Crossroads Film Festival are proud to present two dance-related films, Phoenix Dance and Bringing Balanchine Back, during the annual Crossroads Film Festival.

“These screenings are a wonderful way to bring together the arts communities in Jackson and beyond,” said Katy Smith, assistant to the artistic administrator at the USA IBC. “Brought from the Dance on Camera Festival in New York City to our own Crossroads, these cinematic stories of ballet can inspire and entertain both filmgoers and dance patrons.”

Phoenix Dance, which will be shown at Parkway Place Theater on Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m., tells the story ofHomer Avila, an extraordinary dancer who lost a leg to cancer. This short documentary, directed by Karina Epperlein in 2005, focuses on the creation of a duet by San Francisco-based choreographer Alonzo King. Avila collaborates closely with the affable but demanding King, reveling in the magic that takes place when heart and will are joined to make the impossible happen. Avila, who died last year, danced with Twyla Tharp, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Mark Morris and Momix during his performing career.

Bringing Balanchine Back, released in 2003, will be shown at Parkway Place Theater on Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m.When St. Petersburg, the birthplace of George Balanchine, celebrated its300th anniversary, New York City Ballet was invited to participate in the “White Nights Festival.” The event was conceived as an opportunity for Russians to see the Balanchine repertory danced by the company he founded (and which he had not visited since 1972). The film, which chronicles the experiences of the dancers and artists involved in the festival, is directed by Richard Blanshard and shot by Dick Pope, a Hollywood cinematographer. Well-known performers featured include Peter Martins, Valery Gergiev and many principals, soloists and corps members, among them Darci Kistler, Wendy Whelan, Jack Soto, Benjamin Millepied and former NYC ballet principal Alexandra Ánsanelli. Excitement mingles with crisis and triumph as the company tests itself on the famed Marinsky stage before one of the world’s most discriminating dance audiences. The film had its U.S. premiere at the Dance Films Association’s 34th annual Dance on Camera Festival, held in January in New York. The film also features an appearance by Oleg Briansky, founder and director of Briansky Saratoga Ballet, who will be serving as a national honorary chairman for the 2006 USA IBC along with his wife, Mireille Briane.

“There are amazing stories being told through film today,” said Herman Snell, director of the Crossroads Film Festival. “Everywhere is a dancer, an artist, or a writer doing fascinating things that need to be experienced. We hope to show patrons who love dance or film that these two disciplines are connected and complement each others pursuits of artistic expression.”

Both films will be introduced and presented by officials from the USA IBC, which is scheduled to be held in Jackson June 17 – July 2, 2006. Admission is $5 for Crossroads members and $7 for the general public. For more information, contact the USA IBC offices at 601-355-9853.