July 15, 2004

On July 10, 2004, a group of alumni medalists from the USA
International Ballet Competition astounded ballet patrons in a performance at Jackson’s Thalia Mara Hall. The presentation, produced to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the USA IBC, featured twelve USA IBC medalists, as well as a special piece from the David Parsons Dance Company in New York.

“I am at a loss how to describe it to someone that has not seen it,” said Al Anderson, an audience member new to the world of ballet. “Amazing and awesome seem overused and not descriptive enough. It was a glimpse of perfection.”

Almost every chair in the 2,300-seat auditorium was filled, and audience members enthusiastically welcomed the performers, clapping to show their appreciation for particularly difficult steps and leaps. The program began with a performance by Kathy Thibodeaux and her company Ballet Magnificat!, continuing with a classical solo by Joseph Phillips of the San Francisco Ballet and a contemporary piece by Danny Tidwell of American Ballet Theatre. April and Simon Ball performed a comic pas de deux, and Sarah Lamb of Boston Ballet presented a delicate classical solo. The first act ended with an airy Giselle performed by Wu Haiyan and Mikhail Ilyin, both of Miami City Ballet.

Highlights in the second act included a steamy contemporary solo by Rasta Thomas of Dance Theatre of Harlem, a spirited pas de deux featuring Katia Carranza and Luis Serrano of Miami City Ballet and a classical solo featuring Irina Dvorovenko of American Ballet Theatre. The program ended with Caught, an innovative piece from the David Parsons Dance Company that uses strobe lighting to
create striking flight effects. For the complete program, click here.

"The program was simply incredible,” noted Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. “These dancers showed amazing technical skill and grace, and I couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful way to celebrate our organization’s 25th birthday.”

After the performance, USA IBC supporters enjoyed an elegant post-performance gala party at Jackson’s Capital Club. Revelers enjoyed fine food, complimentary beverages and live music,
celebrating into the early morning hours in honor of the long and colorful history of the USA IBC.

The USA IBC was founded in 1979 by the late Thalia Mara, dance educator and former ballerina. Held once every four years, the two-week olympic-style competition offers medals, cash awards and scholarships to talented dancers from all over the world. Highly regarded as one of the most prestigious dance events worldwide, the USA IBC is sanctioned by UNESCO and was designated as the nation’s official international ballet competition by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1982. The next USA IBC will be held in June 17 - July 2, 2006 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Photos on this page © Alexander Skalij