Just 15 when she competed in the Junior Division of the 2014 USA International Ballet Competition, Gisele Bethea left Jackson with a gold medal.
In January 2016 Gisele became “@abtofficial” as an apprentice with American Ballet Theatre and within months moved up to the Corps de Ballet. Read more here.
On competing in Jackson:
“I had never competed Pas de Deux before Jackson. Dancing consecutively for 15 minutes definitely was a high goal for me, and it was very difficult to achieve, but it was exciting.
The most important thing was Jackson was a new level of competition. It’s only every four years; it’s like the Olympics. We all know that if you get to attend this competition, it is an honor. It was a privilege to be accepted to it.
“The competitors here are serious. They’re at the top of their game. Everyone here is ready to step into their life as a ballet dancer. That’s what makes it so difficult and yet amazing
For dancers thinking about competing in Jackson:
“It’s definitely something you should consider because it’s life changing. It can help you with your career. It’s everything you could think about in a competition. The people are wonderful and supportive and yet the competition is so true and balanced. It’s a really amazing experience.”
Repertoire performed in Jackson with Michal Slawomir Wozniak:
- Round I – Giselle, Peasant Pas de Deux (Composer, Frederic Burgmuller; choreographer, Jules Perrot)
- Round II – Excerpt from The Last Glass (Music, Un Dernier Verre; Composer, Beirut; Choreographer, Matthew Neenan)
- Round III – Sleeping Beauty, Grand Pas de Deux, Act III (Composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Choreographer, Marius Petipa); Imagine (Music, Imagine; Composer, Drehz; Choreographer, Gina Starbuck)
- Awards & Encore Gala Performances-Excerpt from The Last Glass (Music, Un Dernier Verre; Composer, Beirut; Choreographer, Matthew Neenan)
Coached by:
Slawomir and Irena Wozniak, Master Ballet Academy, Phoenix, Arizona
