The dance world comes to Jackson June 10 – 24, 2023, for the 12th USA International Ballet Competition
Come for a day, a round, or two full weeks of world-class dance.
As the third-oldest international ballet competition in the world, the USA IBC attracts top dancers, dance industry professionals, and audience members from around the globe. Two full weeks of competition performances and special programs are scheduled. All competition performances are held at Thalia Mara Hall, 255 E. Pascagoula St.
Questions about tickets? Call the Box Office (601) 973-9249
Performance Tickets
With 16 live ballet performances, there are so many options to see the USA IBC. Learn more about each performance below.
The Gertrude C. Ford Opening Ceremony | Saturday, June 10, 7:30pm
Thalia Mara Hall
$42 – $70
The 12th USA International Ballet Competition kicks off with the Parade of Nations honoring the more than 20 countries represented by the Competitors and Jury. Accompanied by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Competitors take center stage as they represent their countries and the best of the ballet world. Following the ceremony, The Washington Ballet, led by Artistic Director Julie Kent and including many competition alumni, will perform company repertoire.
ROUND I — CLASSICAL
Thalia Mara Hall
Matinee: $10 – $15 Evening: $20 – $25
Spread over six sessions, the audience will have the chance to see the Competitors perform their classical repertoires. Soloists perform two pieces and couples perform a pas de deux during each session.
Round 1 Session 1 | Sunday, June 11, 2:00 pm
Round 1 Session 2 | Sunday, June 11, 7:30 pm
Round 1 Session 3 | Monday, June 12, 2:00pm
Round 1 Session 4 | Monday, June 12, 7:30pm
Round 1 Session 5 | Tuesday, June 13, 2:00pm
Round 1 Session 6 | Tuesday, June 13, 7:30pm
ROUND 2 — CONTEMPORARY
Thalia Mara Hall
$25 – $35
Semi-finalists return to the stage to demonstrate their artistry and athleticism as they present a contemporary piece and vie for a coveted spot in the finals.
Round 2 Session 1 | Thursday, June 15, 7:30 pm
Round 2 Session 2 | Friday, June 16, 7:30 pm
Round 2 Session 3 | Saturday, June 17, 7:30pm
ROUND 3 — FINALS
Thalia Mara Hall
$35 – $55
Finalists perform new classical and contemporary pieces with the goal of being awarded a medal and cash prizes at the 2023 USA IBC!
Round 3 Session 1 | Monday, June 19, 7:30 pm
Round 3 Session 2 | Tuesday, June 20, 7:30 pm
Round 3 Session 3 | Wednesday, June 21, 7:30pm
The Awards Gala | Friday, June 23, 7:30pm
Thalia Mara Hall
$55-85
Featuring music by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Awards Gala is the highly anticipated presentation of awards and medals to the talented XII USA IBC medalists. Audience members will enjoy Jury-selected performances by the winners. Required: Purchase of one Round 3 performance ticket
Join us after the Awards Gala at the Entergy Grand Prix Ball. Purchase tickets here!
Cspire Encore Gala | Saturday, June 24, 7:30pm
Thalia Mara Hall
$20-65
Come to see the best of the best as the finalists perform their finest works for the last time at the competition! Accompanied by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, these masterful performances conclude the festivities of the 2023 USA International Ballet Competition.
Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase | Saturday, June 17, 2:00pm
Belhaven Performing Arts Center
$15
This performance showcases the contemporary repertoires and talents of the competitors eliminated after Round 1. Join us for a wonderful showcase of contemporary repertoire!
Additional Events
In addition to our performances, the USA IBC will host additional events for patrons. Check out our fantastic Arts & Lecture series, observe a Competitor or Dance School class, or celebrate at the Grand Prix Ball. Read below to learn more.
- Arts & Lecture Series
- Competitor Observation Classes
- Dance School Observation Classes
- Other Events
- Parties
The 2023 Arts & Lecture Series allows patrons to participate in seminars, feedback sessions, and guest lectures to learn more about the ballet world.
Learn about each Arts & Lecture here!
Monday, June 12, 2023
11:00 am
Honorary Chair
presented by Ben Stevenson
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
10:00 am
Dancer 12
presented by Jack Howard-Potter
Sunday, June 18, 2023
2:00 pm
Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century
presented by Jennifer Homans
Thursday, June 22, 2023
10:00 am
The World of August Bournonville
presented by Frank Andersen
Competitor Observation Classes give patrons the opportunity to observe the competitor classes and masterclasses that the competitors take daily. Observation is available during Round 1 and Round 2, June 11-17, 2023.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Monday, June 12, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
9:00 am
Master Class with Angel Corella Philadelphia Ballet, Artistic Director
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
1:00 pm
Competitor Class Observation
Thursday, June 15, 2023
1:00 pm
Competitor Class Observation
Friday, June 16, 2023
9:00 am
Master Class with Ashley Wheater Joffrey Ballet, Artistic Director
Friday, June 16, 2023
1:00 pm
Competitor Class Observation
Saturday, June 17, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Dance School Observation Classes give patrons the opportunity to observe the dance school classes and masterclasses that students take daily. Observation Sessions are held 9:00-10:45 am, 11:00-12:00 pm, and 1:15-2:15pm unless otherwise noted
Sunday, June 11, 2023
10:00 am
Master Class with Andile Ndlovu The Washington Ballet (levels 3 & 4)
Sunday, June 11, 2023
1:00 pm
Master Class with Andile Ndlovu The Washington Ballet (levels 1 & 2)
Monday, June 12, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Thursday, June 15, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Eva Kloborg Royal Danish Ballet
Friday, June 16, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Monday, June 19, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Katherine Barkman San Francisco Ballet
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Katherine Barkman San Francisco Ballet
Thursday, June 22, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Friday, June 23, 2023
2:30 pm
Scholarship Showcase
Competitor Autograph Party | Friday, June 16, 10:30 am
Jackson Convention Center
Meet the 2023 USA IBC competitors and receive their autographs!
Tutu.com Fashion Show | Thursday, June 22, 1:30 pm
The Westin
See tutu designers’ creations and bid on the 2023 Tutu.com silent auction!
Grand Prix Ball | Friday, June 23, 10:00 pm
Jackson Convention Center
The “O” Pass
Purchasing an “O” pass will grant you access to ALL Competitor and Dance School observation classes, masterclasses, and the Arts & Lecture series. See the full schedule of included events below!
The 2023 Arts & Lecture Series allows patrons to participate in seminars, feedback sessions, and guest lectures to learn more about the ballet world.
Learn about each Arts & Lecture here!
Monday, June 12, 2023
11:00 am
Honorary Chair
presented by Ben Stevenson
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
10:00 am
Dancer 12
presented by Jack Howard-Potter
Sunday, June 18, 2023
2:00 pm
Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century
presented by Jennifer Homans
Thursday, June 22, 2023
10:00 am
The World of August Bournonville
presented by Frank Andersen
Competitor Observation Classes give patrons the opportunity to observe the competitor classes and masterclasses that the competitors take daily. Observation is available during Round 1 and Round 2, June 11-17, 2023.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Monday, June 12, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
9:00 am
Master Class with Angel Corella Philadelphia Ballet, Artistic Director
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
1:00 pm
Competitor Class Observation
Thursday, June 15, 2023
1:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Friday, June 16, 2023
9:00 am
Master Class with Ashley Wheater Joffrey Ballet, Artistic Director
Friday, June 16, 2023
1:00 pm
Competitor Class Observation
Saturday, June 17, 2023
9:00 am
Competitor Class Observation
Dance School Observation Classes give patrons the opportunity to observe the dance school classes and masterclasses that students take daily. Observation Sessions are held 9:00-10:45 am, 11:00-12:00 pm, and 1:15-2:15pm unless otherwise noted
Sunday, June 11, 2023
10:00 am
Master Class with Andile Ndlovu The Washington Ballet (levels 3 & 4)
Sunday, June 11, 2023
1:00 pm
Master Class with Andile Ndlovu The Washington Ballet (levels 1 & 2)
Monday, June 12, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Thursday, June 15, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Eva Kloborg Royal Danish Ballet
Friday, June 16, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Monday, June 19, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Katherine Barkman San Francisco Ballet
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
2:30 pm
Master Class with Katherine Barkman San Francisco Ballet
Thursday, June 22, 2023
9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Dance School Observation Classes
Friday, June 23, 2023
2:30 pm
Scholarship Showcase