Ninety-nine dancers, representing 20 countries, have accepted the USA IBC’s invitation to participate in the 2014 competition, June 14-29, in Jackson, Miss. Held every four years since 1979, the USA IBC is the official ballet competition of the United States by a Joint Resolution of Congress.
“Dancers invited to compete in the USA IBC know they have a chance to test their skills against the highest international standards,” said Sue Lobrano, USA IBC executive director. “The level of artistry and technique that this group of competitors will bring to the USA IBC stage will certainly be thrilling to watch.”
In March, the USA IBC invited 109 applicants from 21 nations to compete. Ten of those invited have notified the USA IBC they will be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, opportunities, travel expense or injury. Of the 99 scheduled to attend, 57 are senior competitors (ages 19-26) and 42 are juniors (ages 15-18). The United States leads in the number of participants (31), followed by Japan (17) and Brazil (9).
“The USA IBC is synonymous with the discovery of new talents and the launching of careers,” Lobrano said. “We look forward to hosting these competitors as they experience the United States’ premiere ballet competition where they will vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, company contracts and scholarships.”
Serving on the 2014 Selection Committee were artistic directors Adam Sklute of Ballet West, Virginia Johnson of Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Magaly Suarez of The Art of Classical Ballet School. The three met in Jackson earlier in the year to review video submissions from applicants in 29 countries. Seven of those receiving invitations have notified USA IBC they will be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, travel expense or injury.