Texas Ballet Theater's David Schrenk Wins Bronze At The USA International Ballet Competition

Texas Ballet Theater's (TBT) David Schrenk has won the bronze medal at the USA International Ballet Competition held June 10-23 at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, MS.

The competition, held every four years, features competitors (ranging in age from 14-28) going head-to-head in an Olympic style competition. With divisions for men and women and in junior and senior age groups, the competitors perform classical and contemporary pieces. Of the 300 applicants, only 100 or so are accepted into the competition.

There are three rounds of competition and after each round, some competitors are eliminated. Those advancing past the final round perform at the closing gala and learn which medal they received and how much they've won in cash prizes.

Schrenk was awarded the bronze medal and was the only representative of the U.S.A. to medal in his category. While growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Schrenk began at The Florida Ballet Training Center. At 10 years old, he started ballet in order to aid his gymnastics but eventually transitioned entirely to dancing. At the age of 17, he joined Houston Ballet's Second Company. In 2015, after one year at Houston Ballet, Schrenk moved north to join Texas Ballet Theater.

TBT dancer Samantha Pille was also selected to compete, representing TBT and the U.S.A. Pille began her ballet training when she was two years old at Patty Pille's School of Dance. She later trained at The School for Creative and Performing Arts before joining Cincinnati Ballet as a Second Company member. After two years with Cincinnati Ballet, Samantha started dancing with The Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater. In 2015, she joined the Professional Division at Texas Ballet Theater and now is in her second season with the Company of Texas Ballet Theater.