Below are answers to some FAQs that we hope will be helpful as you prepare for the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition. If you have any additional questions, please contact Elizabeth VanDeburgh at evan@usaibc.com or 601-355-9853 ext. 4.
Q: How do I apply to compete in the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition?
A: The Competitor Online Application is available on our website on October 2, 2017 and must be submitted by January 8, 2018. Once the Competitor Application, Part I is completed, applicants will receive instructions (via email) for completing the Video Submission portion of the application along with the password to access the USA IBC requisite music for Round I. The Video Application deadline is February 5, 2018.
Q: How and when will I be notified if I am selected as a 2018 USA IBC competitor?
A: All Applicants will be notified via email of the Selection Committee’s decision no later than March 16, 2018.
Q: When will I receive the Round I USA IBC rehearsal music?
A: The USA IBC Round I rehearsal music will be made available to applicants upon completion of the Competitor Online Application, Part I. (PLEASE NOTE: the earlier applicants complete the Competitor Online Application, Part I, the earlier applicants receive rehearsal music and Video Application instructions.)
Round III rehearsal music will be made available to those dancers who are invited to compete in the 2018 USA IBC.
Q: What happens after January 8, 2018? When are the Video Applications Due to the USA IBC?
A: Applicants who submit the Online Competitor Application, Part I, by the January 8, 2018 deadline, will receive instructions (via email) for the video submission portion of the application as well as the Round I USA IBC rehearsal music. The Video Application is due by February 5, 2018. The Selection Committee will review all submissions and determine the competitors of the 2018 USA IBC. All applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by March 16, 2018.
Q: May I have more than one coach for the competition?
A: No. While anyone may accompany you to Jackson and purchase tickets to attend USA IBC performances, you many only designate one coach for the 2018 USA IBC. If you are competing as a couple, you and your partner must designate the same coach.
Coaches must complete a coach application form and submit a recent headshot and a copy of their passport to the USA IBC office no later than April 23, 2018. This Coach Application will be made available on our website on March 16, 2018.
Q: Do I have to perform the same variations/pas de deux on the video application as I do in Round I of the competition?
A: While we recommend that you perform the same variations/pas de deux for Round I that you use for your video application, it is not necessary. Our hope is that you and your coach will choose the Round I work(s) that best suits you, and begin the process of polishing these pieces for the video application.
Q: I won a gold medal with my small group ensemble at the New York finals of YAGP. Must I submit a video application to the USA IBC by February 5, 2018?
A: Yes, a video application is necessary for applications who won a medal with an ensemble. The USA IBC scores all competitors as individuals. For this reason, medals shared with a partner or ensemble will not exempt applicants from the selection process.