USA IBC 2023

June 10-24, 2023

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) invited 119 dancers from 17 nations to compete in its 2023 event, the official international ballet competition of the United States by Joint Resolution of Congress. Normally held every four years, the competition was delayed by one year due to the pandemic and took place in Jackson, Mississippi, from June 10–24.

“Showcasing artistic excellence, the USA IBC is a platform for dancers to test their skills against the highest international standards,” said Executive Director Mona Nicholas. She noted that Jackson is widely respected as a prestigious competition that has launched many dance careers, and the 2023 event delivered a thrilling experience.

Of the invited competitors, 53 were juniors (ages 15 to 18) and 68 were seniors (ages 19 to 28). The United States had the largest number of participants (57), followed by Japan (17) and the Republic of Korea (15). Additional countries represented included Armenia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Mongolia, Paraguay, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

The opening ceremony took place on June 10 at Thalia Mara Hall. The evening began with the Parade of Nations, honoring the countries represented by the competitors and jury. After a brief intermission, The Washington Ballet—featuring several competition alumni—performed selections from its repertoire.

The Arts & Lecture Series featured prominent figures in the dance world. Honorary Chairman Ben Stevenson, a former dancer with Britain’s Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, shared insights from his distinguished career directing major companies. Steel sculpture artist Jack Howard-Potter discussed his work Dancer 12, and Frank Andersen presented a lecture on the world of August Bournonville.

2023 Medalists and Award Winners

Senior Female:

• Gold – Sayako Toku, Japan
• Silver – Xinyue Zhao, China
• Bronze – Yunju Lee, South Korea

Senior Male:

• Gold – Ryo Sasaki, Japan
• Silver – Chongzheng Guan, China
• Bronze – Yuval Cohen, Israel

Junior Female:

• Gold – Mengxuan Yan, China
• Bronze – Julie Joyner, United States

Junior Male:

• Gold – Alexei Orohovsky, United States
• Silver – Kangwon Lee, South Korea
• Bronze – Zihan Kong, China

Special Awards:

• Best Senior Couple – Ryo Sasaki & Sayako Toku, Japan
• Best Junior Couple – Mengxuan Yan & Zihan Kong, China
• Choreography Award – Chen Zihao (Children of the Stars & The Shadow of Life)
• Jury Awards of Encouragement – Corbin Holloway, United States
• Jury Awards of Encouragement – Isabella Howard, United States
• Robert Joffrey Award of Merit – Munkhjin Ulziijargal, Mongolia