March 8, 2006

Individual tickets for the 2006 USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC), scheduled for June 17 – July 2, 2006, at Thalia Mara Hall, will go on sale to the public on Monday, April 3, 2006.

Every four years, Mississippi dance enthusiasts are part of an international audience that converges in Jackson to see some of the world’s best dancers perform in dazzling competition. Due to the popularity of the event, the public is encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets may be purchased individually for each round of competitionas well as the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation Opening Ceremonies. Tickets tothe BellSouth Awards Gala and the Capezio Encore Gala may be purchased with Round III tickets only. Ticket prices range from $6 to $70, depending upon both the performance selected and the seat location.

“There are still some excellent seats available for almost every performance,” said Aislynn Thomas, USA IBC box office manager. “I’d encourage those interested in purchasing tickets, however, to secure them as early as possible. The best seats are always the ones that sell first.”

Each night, the USA IBC offers spectacular dance performances from the classical and contemporary ballet repertoire. Typically, audience members who attend each performance develop a preference for their favorite dancers and cheer them on to advance to the next round.

Dance-related exhibits, lectures, master classes and a performance by Regional Dance America will also be held in conjunction with the 2006 competition. In addition, the USA International Dance School and Teachers’ Workshop will be offered concurrently with the competition. For more ticket information or to purchase tickets for the 2006 USA IBC, please contact USA IBC Box Office Manager Aislynn Thomas at 601.973.9249, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional ticket information, as well as a ticket order form that can be downloaded and mailed with payment, can be found by clicking here.