2014 USA International Ballet Competition Now Accepting Entries

Plans for the 2014 USA International Ballet Competition, set for June 14-29, 2014, are officially underway as new online application capabilities are now live for dancers around the world and a new compulsory contemporary dance repertoire is revealed. The USA IBC is the official international ballet competition in the United States by a Joint Resolution of the Congress.

Dancers now have the ability to complete the application process online through the USA IBC website, http://www.usaibc.com. Part I of the application process has a November 8, 2013, deadline and requires the submission of a $65 (USD) application fee at the time of application. Part II of the application process requires applicants to submit a performance video/DVD using a selection from the 2014 USA IBC Round I Classical Repertoire when filming their video application. The deadline for submitting the competitor application Part II is February 7, 2014.

"The excitement is contagious when we start to hear from dancers and coaches from around the world," said Sue Lobrano, USA IBC executive director. "The USA IBC is known internationally for adhering to exceptionally high standards of professionalism, fairness and performance. It's vital for us to continuously improve the quality of the event and the competition experience as we seek to attract the world's most talented dancers," said Lobrano.

New for 2014 is the establishment of a Round II Contemporary Repertoire from which semi-finalists will be required to perform one contemporary solo or pas de deux.

"The USA IBC is interested in contemporary choreography that reflects the highest quality of dance created by contemporary or modern dance masters. Choreographers, Trey McIntyre and Matthew Neenan, have generously contributed several of their works to the 2014 competition," Lobrano said. Competitors will be responsible for learning the piece of their choice prior to arriving at the USA IBC. In preparation of Round II, Neenan and a member of Trey McIntyre Project will be available to consult with competitors performing selections of their work.

"Restructuring Round II creates a new opportunity for competitors while bringing an additional element to the competition," explained Lobrano. "The jury and audience will be able to see how well each dancer grasps the requisite contemporary choreography, while concurrently allowing dancers to experience different interpretations of each piece."

Unique to the USA IBC is the festival of dance that surrounds the event. The USA IBC Dance School and Teacher Training Program run concurrently with the competition. Individually, these activities offer student and adult participants a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most respected professionals in their field. Other featured ancillary events for 2014 encompass dance-related exhibits and performances, including a master class presented by Trey McIntyre Project.

Many U.S. and international dance company directors also attend the USA IBC to scout for new talent.

"Dancers competing in the USA IBC are keenly aware that contracts can be awarded and careers launched for non-medalists as well as those who take home a gold, silver or bronze. The opportunity to be seen on the USA IBC stage is a prize in itself," Lobrano concluded.

Dancers interested in learning more about the application process and completing Part I should go to http://www.usaibc.com/compete. Prospective applicants with questions may contact Hannah Renegar, artistic administrator, at 601-973-9247 or hannah(at)usaibc(dot)com.

Tickets for the 2014 USA IBC are available in both ticket packages and individual performance tickets. All-inclusive ticket packages go on sale to International Ballet Association members October 7, 2013, and to the public January 6, 2014. Individual performance tickets go on sale April 7, 2014.

The USA IBC is a two-week, "olympic-style" competition where tomorrow's stars vie for medals, cash awards, company contracts and scholarships. The event is designated as the official international ballet competition in the United States by a Joint Resolution of the Congress. Presented under the auspices of the International Dance Committee, International Theatre Institute of UNESCO, the USA IBC is held every four years in Jackson, Miss., in the tradition of sister competitions in Varna, Bulgaria, and Moscow, Russia. The next USA IBC will be held June 14-29, 2014.