2023 USA International Ballet Competition Announces International Jury Members, Unveils Commemorative Poster And Commissioned Sculpture & Reveals Dance School Details

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Jackson, Miss. (October 31,2022) – The USA International Ballet Competition has announced the members of the International Jury for the 12th USA IBC to be held June 10 – 24, 2023 at Thalia Mara Hall.

John Meehan, former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, will chair the 2023 jury for the third time. “The USA IBC is about more than medals,” said Meehan. “It’s a celebration of dance that reflects the highest standards of artistic excellence.” Other jurors will be Paloma Herrera, Argentina; Frank Andersen, Denmark; Hae Shik Kim, Korea; Angel Corella, Spain; Lauren Anderson, USA; Ashley Wheater, United Kingdom; Feng Ying, China; Stanton Welch, Australia; Robert Curran, Australia; and André Lewis, Canada.

  Meehan also announced the USA IBC will waive application fees for dancers from Ukraine and help with airline and other expenses if they are selected to compete in the 2023 USA IBC. “We want to help these talented young dancers who have been misplaced to advance their careers amidst the pain they are experiencing with what is happening now in their country,” said Meehan.   

The 2023 USA IBC commemorative poster features a painting by the late artist Andrew Bucci. Mr. Bucci’s work was also chosen for the poster in 2014. Mona Nicholas, USA IBC Executive Director said, “It was an obvious choice. Mr. Bucci would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year and we wanted to commemorate his centennial year by choosing him as the official artist. He loved ballet and it clearly shows through the movement displayed in his work.” The official poster is sponsored by BankPlus.

A steel sculpture, by New York artist Jack Howard – Potter titled “Dancer 12” will be a permanent fixture on the plaza of Thalia Mara Hall and commemorates the 12th time the competition will be held in Jackson, Mississippi. This commissioned public art is sponsored by Downtown Jackson Partners.

David Keary, Ballet Mississippi artistic director and a former New York City Ballet dancer, will direct the 2023 USA IBC Dance School, held concurrently with the competition. Faculty members include Tatiana Tchernova, Lawrence Jackson, Charles Askegard, Lisa Johnson – Willingham, Gretchen Newburger – Bernard, Valerie Madonia, and Lisa Hess Jones. All classes will be held in the state-of-the-art dance studios of Belhaven University. Applications open November 7, 2022.

During the second week of the 2023 competition, London’s Royal Ballet School will present its Inspire series. A six-day program for ballet teachers that explores the foundations of classical ballet technique, more advanced elements of technique and artistry and good teaching practice.

The USA IBC was founded by Thalia Mara and the first competition was held in Jackson in 1979. The USA IBC is the official international ballet competition in the United States by Joint Resolution of Congress. The 2023 USA IBC will welcome applicants ages 15 to 28, in keeping with sister competitions in Helsinki, Varna, and Moscow. Approximately 100 dancers will be invited to compete from more than 300 applicants. Applications opened on October 3, 2022, and close on February 16, 2023.

More information about the 2023 USA IBC is available at usaibc.com. ###

  

Great USA IBC Get Away – A New Orleans Road Trip to see American Ballet Theatre

Isabella Boylston in Don Quixote. Photo: Gene Schiavone

“American Ballet Theatre returns to New Orleans for the first time in nearly 50 years, and is accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra!”

The adventure begins in Jackson at 10:00 am, Sunday, May 15, 2022, when we board a luxury motorcoach and head south to New Orleans. Enjoy the performance and then stop off in Manchac for dinner at Middendorf’s on the way back to Jackson.

Event Location:

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street
New Orleans, LA 70116


Package Description

The Great USA IBC Getaway Package – $300 per person

  • 1 Roundtrip transportation to New Orleans
  • 1 Deli sandwich box lunch
  • 1 Performance ticket – premium seating
  • 1 Post-Performance dinner at Middendorf’s in Manchac

USA International Ballet Competition is a proud sponsor of the American Ballet Theatre performance presented by New Orleans Ballet Association.

Kentucky Derby Party & Bluegrass Concert

Kentucky Derby Party featuring The Vernon Brothers Bluegrass Band

Join us for the Friends of the USA IBC  Annual Kentucky Derby Party, Saturday, May 1st. The party will be held outdoors in the lovely rose garden at The Pinnacle on Capitol Street in downtown Jackson. Music and festivities begin at 4:30 pm. Derby attire and southern fare for all.

“Run for the Roses & Race for the Competition”.

Be a host sponsor or reserve your table here!

Friends of the USA IBC is an active membership group within the International Ballet Association. As volunteers, Friends support the USA IBC’s everyday needs and special projects. They plan fundraising and Friends’ membership events, serve on competition work committees, assist with the public school CityDance program (helping with auditions, dancewear purchases and recitals) and are local and national advocates for the USA IBC.  Members (and future members) gather at least twice a year, once at a membership event and once at a fundraising event.

As part of the International Ballet Association, Friends enjoy benefits that include early purchase of ticket packages for each competition and Reunion Gala. Friends membership is included in the Applause, Bravo, Encore Club and Circle levels of IBA.

  • $30.00 Junior Patron membership – for those members who are just starting out and between the ages of 21 and 30
  • $60.00 Junior Patron Couple membership – for those couples between the ages of 21 and 30 who live in the same household
  • $50.00 Individual membership – for those individual members who are over 30 years old
  • $75.00 Couple membership – for those members over the age of 30 who live in the same household

Become involved with the USA IBC by joining Friends today!