May 17, 2006

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) is firmly grounded in hospitality. The rich cultural heritage of the South, as well as its welcoming reputation, creates a vibrant environment often referred to as the Southern “sense of place.” And, with thousands of ticket buyers, competitors, dance school students and dance teachers converging on Jackson June 17 – July 2, it takes quite a few places in the city to house and serve USA IBC visitors.

“The scope of the USA IBC is so large that we depend on many businesses and organizations within our community to make our visitors feel welcome,” said Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. “We have been extremely fortunate to find local partners who are as comitted to creating a world-class event as we are.”

Business and organizations of Jackson work together to provide unparalleled hospitality to the city’s international visitors during the two-week competition. Belhaven College is the home of the USA IBC International Village, and competition and campus officials coordinate housing and meals for approximately 100 international competitors and 300 students attending the International Dance School (IDS).

“The arts celebrate our common humanity, crossing cultural, religious and political borders,” said Colin Harbinson, dean of Belhaven’s School of the Arts. “ Belhaven College is proud to have had a longstanding relationship with the IBC. Every four years, our campus transforms itself into an international village where dancers and coaches from around the world live, interact and prepare for the competition. With Belhaven’s emphasis in the arts, it is a perfect pas de deux!”

Both Belhaven and Jackson State University also offer dance space and rehearsal areas for competition dancers and IDS students. In both instances, recent campus remodeling projects will soon benefit USA IBC participants. New studio space at Belhaven will be used for this summer’s event, and the recently built Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center at Jackson State University will also open its doors to the competition.

“We have been involved with the competition for many years, since its inception in 1979,” said Evola Bates, JSU chief of staff. “We look forward to once again playing a role in continuing the tradition of the IBC.”

In addition, the Mississippi Museum of Agriculture and Forestry will serve as a site for competition events. A master class featuring artists from Garth Fagan Dance, scheduled for June 21, will take place in the museum’s Sparkman Auditorium. Classes for advanced students in the International Dance School will also be held on the museum’s campus.

“The Ag Museum is proud to be a part of this wonderful cultural experience,” said Deborah Barlow, who manages sales and marketing for the museum. “We, along with all of Mississippi, welcome the 2006 International Ballet Competition to the Jackson area and look foward to this year’s program.”

The Edison Walthall Hotel is one of the official hotels of the USA IBC, housing the majority of the event’s visiting guests and serving as a site for the free Pilates classes that the event offers visitors and participants. In addition, the hotel will host two screenings of the documentary Ballets Russes in partnership with the USA IBC on June 26. The film, co-presented by the Crossroads Film Festival, delves into the lives of the legendary company’s stars and explores the rivalries and tribulations that marked its turbulent history.

“The hotel looks forward to being the host of this spectacular event,” said Suzanne Davis, sales manager at the Edison Walthall. “We enjoy bringing hospitality to all of the international visitors and tour groups of the IBC.” Davis adds that she is currently preparing for the guests that have already booked the hotel for the two weeks of the competition.

In addition to the whirlwind of performances, the USA IBC also hosts dance-related events open to the general public. The Mississippi Museum of Art will host a series of luncheon presentations which will be offered as part of the Lunch with the IBC program. Presentations are scheduled for June 20, 22, 26 and 29, and planned programs include a panel discussion featuring members of the original Ballet Russes, a speech by Garth Fagan, who choreographed Disney’s Broadway show “The Lion King,” and a display and presentation of classical ballet tutus and how they are made. The museum is also presenting a special exhibit in honor of the USA IBC featuring the work of costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee of Charleston, Miss. Working sketches will be displayed alongside fabric swatches, production photographs and finished costumes that represent a portfolio spanning three decades.

“The USA IBC is a massive undertaking, and we simply would not be able to coordinate it without the support of local businesses and organizations,” said Lobrano. “Their cooperation is one of the primary reasons Jackson is able to host one of the world’s premiere dance events.”

For more information about the USA IBC, call 601-355-9853. To purchase tickets, call 601-973-9249.