June 12, 2006

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) has selected five members of The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, Penn., to dance in this summer’s event. More than 300 applications were received from dancers around the world, and a selection committee of three internationally-celebrated dance experts invited only 121 dancers to participate in the competition. Kyle Davis, Kyohei Yoshida, Isaac Hernandez, Jun Tanabe and Christine Shevchenko will travel together to compete with some of the world’s greatest young dancers at Thalia Mara Hall June 17-July 2.

Each competitor will prepare two classical ballet variations or one pas de deux as well as a contemporary dance piece. All of the students have undergone years of training and have prepared extensively for the IBC. The Rock School has a reputation for grooming world-class dancers who enjoy successful careers in the industry.

“I’m really greatful for everyone’s support from The Rock School. They not only prepare my variations and provide coaching, but they are also there for me emotionally, making this experience challenging as well as fun,” said Hernandez.

Training for the competition is a continual process. “No matter what, I practice, practice, practice! Even when I am not in the studios, I go over my variations in my head all the time to be completely ready,” Tanabe said.

The five dancers will provide a support system for each other during this time of immense pressure in unfamilar surroundings. The group shares a camaraderie, dubbing themselves “The Jackson Five.”

“I think it’s a really good thing that I will be going to Jackson with people I know to make competing easier and help ease stress,” Shevchenko said.

The competitors view this as an opportunity for improvement as well as travel. “I’m looking forward to heading to Jackson to see the different culture, the talent of other dancers and hopefully do some sightseeing in my spare time,” said Davis.

Yoshida looks at the IBC as a reunion with friends. “I’m looking forward to seeing my friends,” he said. “Being from Japan, I have been lucky to make many friends throughout my training, and several of them will be at the IBC.”