USA IBC International
Dance School
See and learn with ballet’s best
The USA IBC Dance School, to be held in conjunction with the 13th USA International Ballet Competition, June 12-26, 2027, provides the opportunity to both study with leading teachers and watch top dancers from around the globe perform.
The two-week session is geared toward intermediate to pre-professional ballet students ages 12-20 who have had a minimum of four consecutive years of ballet training, including 6 to 12 months of pointe for girls. Students receive elite training and have the opportunity to perform at the end of a challenging and fun-filled intensive.
Course Offerings and Curriculum:
Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, Variations, Pas De Deux, Repertoire, Jazz, Lectures, Master Classes
Applications open November 1, 2026.
Important Dates & Sample Schedule
- November 1, 2026: Applications Open
- March 31, 2027: Deadline to Apply
- June 11, 2027: Arrival at Dance School
- June 26, 2027: Departure from Dance School
Sample Weekday
Breakfast
7:30-8:45
Ballet Technique
9:00-10:30
Pointe/Variations
10:45-11:45
Lunch
12:00-1:00
Contemporary/Jazz/Modern
1:00-2:30
Partnering/Choreography
2:30-4:30
Break and Dinner
4:30-6:00
Shuttles to Evening Performance
6:00-7:00
Evening Competition Performance
7:30
Weekend Activities
- Master classes
- Lectures
- Ice cream social
- Vendor Fair
- Optional Church Service
- Competition Performances
- Awards Gala Ceremony
Apply for USA IBC Dance School
Applications open November 1, 2026.
Age requirement includes students ages 12 to 20 years old as of June 12, 2027.
A minimum of 4 years of ballet required (a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of pointe for girls).
Application Guidelines
Photos:
(Size: JPG no larger than 64MB per photo)
- Headshot
- 1st Arabesque (away from barre)
- Tendu à la seconde
Fee:
- $75 (non-refundable)
Video Audition:
- Once application part one has been completed applicants will be emailed instructions on how to upload their video audition.
- Attending the in-person audition on February 25th can take the place of the video audition.
- Click here for individual and group video requirements
Tuition
On-Campus Tuition – $2,700
- Classes with renowned faculty and accompanists
- Housing in Belhaven University Residence Halls
- 3 meals a day
- Tickets to USA IBC evening performances
- Transportation to and from the airport, evening performances, and activities
- Vendor Fair
- Meet the competitors
Off-Campus Tuition – $1,700
(for students who live within a 60-mile radius of Jackson, MS)
- Classes with renowned faculty and accompanists
- 1 meal a day (lunch)
- Tickets to USA IBC evening performances
- Transportation to and from evening performances and activities
- Vendor Fair
- Meet the competitors
Information & FAQs
Questions may be addressed to Madalyn Burke, USA IBC Dance School Administrator
Dance Facilities
All dance school classes will be held in Belhaven University’s state-of-the-art Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center.
Housing
All On-Campus students will stay on Belhaven University’s campus. Students will stay in double occupancy rooms in Lakeview Hall. Male access cards will not permit them on female halls and vice versa for all female students.
Counselors will stay in the Residence Halls with students.
Campus Security & Student Policies
Belhaven University Security Department provides a safe and secure campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Belhaven University Policies must be honored by all USA IBC Dance School Participants at all times.
Dining Information & Medical Clinic
Students will enjoy three meals a day served at Belhaven University’s Bailey Dining Commons in the McCravey-Triplett Student Center. Students will have a buffet-style experience and are allowed to try multiple meal options. Off-campus participants will receive lunch only.
A medical clinic is available to all dance school participants on a daily basis and is staffed with physicians, licensed nurses, and physical therapists.
Applications & Payment Deadlines
2027 deadlines information coming soon!
Audition & Scholarships
Audition and scholarship information coming soon!
Dress Code, Packing List, & Rules
Classroom Dress
LADIES
- Black leotards-one piece, modestly cut
- Pink tights-to be worn under the leotard
- Pink ballet slippers and black or tan character shoes (character shoes are optional)
- Chiffon dance skirt (permissible only in some classes) and a character skirt (optional)
- Two pairs of pointe shoes are suggested
- Black footless tights or tightly fitted black capri-length jazz pants (to wear over leotard in modern & jazz)
- Jazz shoes (no sneakers)
- Hair neatly pulled up in a bun
GENTLEMEN
- White short-sleeved t-shirt and/or leotard
- Black tights
- White socks
- Black or white ballet shoes
- Jazz shoes (no sneakers)
Theater Dress
Theater attire should be dressy and modest. This includes slacks, dresses, skirts, nice shirts and blouses.
Campus Dress
Clothing worn around campus is casual but modest. A cover-up should always be worn over dance clothing when not in a studio.
Roommate Requests
Students will have the opportunity to request a roommate during Part 2 of their application. Roommate requests will be honored if requested mutually by two accepted students who are less than two years apart in age.
Travel Details
Students are required to arrive on the Belhaven University Campus between 8 AM and 3 PM on Friday, June 11, 2027, for dormitory move-in.
At the end of the USA IBC Dance School, students must depart from campus prior to 12 PM on Saturday, June 26, 2027.
Transportation from the Jackson-Evers International Airport to Belhaven University’s campus is available for each student arriving on Friday, June 11, 2027 and from Belhaven University’s campus to the airport for students departing the morning of Saturday, June 27, 2027. Students arriving late or departing early are responsible for their own transportation.
Detailed information will be available in the coming months.
Class Placement
Students will be pre-placed in levels based on their video audition. All faculty level placement decisions are FINAL.
Counselors
Counselors are responsible for the personal and practical needs of students during the 2027 USA IBC Dance School. They ensure students are comfortable on campus, facilitate weekend and evening activities, assist in transportation to and from performances and off campus activities, provide moral support and enforce rules for the duration of the school. The role of Dance School Counselor is suited to an energetic, positive individual with strong communication skills. For a full description of counselor responsibilities see below.
Each counselor applicant must agree to a background check. Dance and Resident Life experience is preferred. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age by June 12, 2027. Counselors live on campus with students in the Residence Halls. They receive three meals per day and may take dance school classes (as the schedule allows) in addition to attending evening performances.