Valentina Kozlova's International Ballet Competition 2016 Set for Symphony Space

Valentina Kozlova's International Ballet Competition 2016 is April 25-3 at Symphony Space, 95tStreet & Broadway. The event is dedicated toViolette Verdy. The beloved ballerina, choreographer, teacher, and writer was an early mentor of VKIBC and Valentina Kozlova. Ms. Verdy was a judge in the first edition of VKIBC and later a competition honorary chairman.

Dancers from around the world will gather in NYC for the 6th annual Valentina Kozlova's International Ballet Competition, dancing before the judges for monetary prizes, as well as scholarships and company contracts. The classical repertory from which entrants can choose includes dances from the ballet classics, with special additions that include the Grahn variation from Pas de Quatre and a variation from Walpurgis Night, to name just two. One day will once again be devoted to contemporary dancers and choreography.

Confirmed judges for 2016 include: Andris Liepa (Russia) Chairman of the Judges; Mikko Nissinen, Honorary Chairman. The other judges are (in alphabetical order of country): Nina Buisson (France); Charles Jude (France); Nina Ananiashvili (Georgia); Patricia Aulestia (Mexico); Olga Guardia de Smoak (Panama); Nikolai Tsiskaridze (Russia);Sergei Soloviev (Russia); Sun Hee Kim (South Korea); Jeon Mi Sook (South Korea); Jelko Yuresha(UK); Tracy Inman (USA); Joe Lanteri (USA); Terrence Marling (USA); Jennifer Muller (USA); Radenko Pavlovich (USA); Troy Powell (USA);Lawrence Rhodes (USA); Margo Sappington (USA); Peter Stark (USA); Ben Stevenson (USA); Martine Van Hamel (USA); and Septime Webre (USA).

Audience members are welcome at any time for the competitions. The Valentina Kozlova's International Ballet Competition schedule of events:

Tuesday, April 26th 11:00am GA $10, $5 students

VKIBC begins the NYC 2016 Finals with Round 1 of the Junior and Senior Classical Divisions. The day will consist of dancers performing classical solos andpas de deux. The Opening Judges Ceremony begins at 11:00am with the competition running through 7:00pm

Wednesday, April 27th 12:00pm GA $10, $5 students

The competition this daywill include: Youth Division Classical; Student Division Classical & Contemporary (Round 1); Junior Division Classical & Contemporary (Round 2) and Senior Division Classical & Contemporary Compulsory pieces (Round 2).

Thursday, April 28th 4:00pm GA $10, $5 students

The Contemporary Dance and Choreographers Competition Finals is an exciting showcase of contemporary dancers and choreographers from around the world.

Friday, April 29th 2:00pm GA $20, $10 children, students & seniors

The Final Round is an exciting display of young talent from over 20 countries around the globe performin an array of classical and contemporary dance. Approximate times: 2:00pm Student Division, 4:00pm Junior Division, 7:00pm Senior Division.

Saturday, April 30th 6:00pm GA $40, $25 children, students & seniors

The Gala is the culmination of a week of classical ballet, contemporary dance and new choreography performed by a selection of winners from the NYC 2016 Finals, VKIBC Alumni and Guest Artists. The Awards Ceremony begins at 6:00pm followed by the Gala at 7:00pm.