The USA IBC

For two exciting weeks, dancers from around the world, along with students and teachers, company directors and ballet patrons converge on this southern town to compete for prizes, study with master teachers, offer company contracts and enjoy some of the worlds best dance performances. The USA International Ballet Competition has become known as a Festival of Dance.

Founded in 1978 by Thalia Mara, the first USA International Ballet Competition took place in 1979 and joined the ranks of Varna, Bulgaria (1964); Moscow, Russia (1969); and Tokyo, Japan (1976). These first competitions were given sanction by the International Dance Committee of UNESCOs International Theater Institute. Today, international ballet competitions flourish worldwide, and the USA IBC in Jackson remains one of the oldest and most respected competitions in the world. In 1982, the United States Congress passed a Joint Resolution designating Jackson as the official home of the USA International Ballet Competition. Jackson held subsequent competitions in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006.

The USA IBC is a two-week olympic style competition where tomorrows ballet stars vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, cash awards, scholarships and jobs. It can be a stepping stone to a dancers career. The audience is filled with company directors interested in hiring dancers, and for this reason, many dancers leave with contracts. This is possibly the grandest prize of all.

Visitors from around the world can bask in a city rich in southern tradition and hospitality. A dedicated group of volunteers provide transportation, production assistance, medical services, class monitors, host families, merchandise sales, ushers, competitor hospitality, interpreters, information stations, jurors hospitality, office assistance, signage, an International Village for the competitors, dress-up for the city (including the theatre; Belhaven College, host of the International Village; and the airport) and planning for parties, parties, parties!

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