December 14 , 2005

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) recently made applications for the 2006 USA IBC International Dance School and Teachers’ Workshop available. The event, held concurrently with the competition, will take place in Jackson, Miss., June 17 – July 1, 2006. Potential students can download applications from the USA IBC Web site.

The International Dance School provides an opportunity for intermediate- and advanced- level ballet students, ages 12 or older, to study with some of the world’s leading dance teachers. Students can also attend competition performances in the evenings as well as attend a wide variety of dance-related exhibits, lectures and classes. Curriculum for the two-week program includes ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and character work, and the USA IBC arranges students’ food and lodging during their stay in Jackson. For a complete list of faculty members, click here.

“The faculty that we have assembled for the 2006 International Dance School is exceptional,” said Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. “Among them are Broadway stars, company directors, prima ballerinas and award-winning choreographers. These teachers have performed and coached dancers all over the world, and they will offer a wealth of experience to our students.”

For the first time, the USA IBC Teachers’ Workshop, designed for dance school teachers of all ages, will offer a jazz program in addition to ballet instruction. Participants may enroll in either or both courses of study. The ballet training program will be taught by Finis Jhung, a well-known dance authority with experience performing on Broadway and in film as well as a successful career of coaching and teaching. Nan Giordano, artistic director of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, will teach the jazz training program. (For more information about these instructors, click here.) The Teachers’ Workshop is held in conjunction with both the International Dance School and the competition, allowing participants to attend the event with their students. Participating teachers may observe International Dance School classes and competitor classes, as schedules permit, and free Pilates classes will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the program for the Teachers’ Workshop,” said Brooke Wyatt, dance teacher and artistic administrator of the USA IBC. “We were able to expand the program to include a jazz component, and the instructors for both programs are respected leaders in the field. In addition to the classes, there will be opportunities to see competitors and major companies in performance and attend lectures and exhibits about dance. This event will be a valuable tool for any dance teacher.”

The USA IBC International Dance School and Teachers’ Workshop are sponsored by the Chisholm Foundation, Dance Teacher Magazine and Merrill Lynch. For more information about the USA IBC and its companion programs, visit www.usaibc.com or call 601.355.9853.