FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2023 USA International Ballet Competition Invites 119 Dancers to Jackson in June
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NEWS PROVIDED BY
USA International Ballet Competition
March 24, 2023
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The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) has invited 119 dancers from 17 nations to compete in the 2023 USA IBC, the official international ballet competition of the United States by Joint Resolution of Congress. Normally held every four years, but delayed one year due to the pandemic, in Jackson, Mississippi, the 12th USA IBC is slated for June 10-24.
“Showcasing artistic excellence, the USA IBC is a platform for dancers to test their skills against the highest international standards,” said Mona Nicholas, USA IBC executive director. “Jackson is respected as a prestigious competition that launches dance careers. We anticipate a thrilling competition.”
Fifty-three of the invited competitors are juniors, ages 15 to 18, and 68 are seniors, ages 19 to 28. The United States has the highest number of invited dancers (57), followed by Japan (17) and the Republic of Korea (15). Other nations represented are Armenia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Mongolia, Paraguay, Philippines, United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
Medals, company contracts, apprenticeships, scholarships and more than $200,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. All dancers who advance to Round 3 will receive a $1,500 stipend to off-set travel costs.
The 12th opening ceremony will be held on June 10, 2023, at Thalia Mara Hall. The evening will begin with the Parade of Nations honoring the more than 20 countries represented by the competitors and jury. Following a brief intermission, The Washington Ballet, including many competition alumni, will perform company repertoire.
The Arts & Lecture Series will kick off with Ben Stevenson, USA IBC Honorary Chairman. Stevenson, a former dancer with Britain’s Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, has served as co-director of the National Ballet of Washington, D.C., artistic director of Houston Ballet and Chicago Ballet, and served as the artistic director of Texas Ballet Theatre until his retirement in July 2022.
Steel sculpture artist Jack Howard-Potter will discuss his creation, Dancer 12. Author and dance critic for The New Yorker, Jennifer Homans, will discuss her meticulously researched book Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century. Bournonville stager Frank Andersen’s lecture will highlight The World of August Bournonville.
For a complete list of competitors, visit www.usaibc.com/compete. Tickets go on sale April 3, www.usaibc.com/attend. For more information visit www.usaibc.com.
SOURCE USA International Ballet Competition
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