USA International Ballet Competition

A. Official Competitor Information

B. Sound Requirements

C. Opportunities for Eliminated Competitors

D. Competitor Class and Rehearsals

E. Competitor Awards

F. Official Coach Information

G. Competitor, Non-Competing Partner, and Coach Final Application

H. Travel & Housing for Competitors, Non-competing Partners, and Coaches

I. What to Pack

J. Calendar of Events

A. OFFICIAL COMPETITOR INFORMATION

• STAGE APPEARANCE
  • The order of appearance on stage will be determined by drawing numbers at Competitor Registration on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
  • Competitors will appear in numerical order by division. For couples, the number of the female competitor will be used. Juniors will appear first on the program during each performance.
  • The USA IBC reserves the right to adjust program order.
  • Competitors may appear as a soloist, with a competing partner or with a non-competing partner. Those choosing to appear as couple may not include solo works in any classical or contemporary programs and must appear with the same partner throughout the competition.
  • If a partner is eliminated, he or she must continue to appear with his or her partner in subsequent rounds, the Awards Gala and the Encore Gala.
  • Competitors must furnish their own costumes and make-up.
  • The use of props must be pre-approved by the USA IBC.
  • Competitors may not use oil-based body paint.
  • Performance in the nude is not permitted.
  • The USA IBC will be limited to approximately 100 competitors.
  • The competition takes place in Thalia Mara Hall on a stage with a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor, covered with Harlequin Reversible performance surface. The stage dimensions are 50ft wide by 30ft deep (16 meters x 11 meters).
  • All competition performances are held before a public audience.

• ROUND I: ELIMINATIONS (Classical)
  • Solo competitors must perform two solo variations, and couples must perform one pas de deux.
  • Senior competitors must choose from the Senior division repertoire in Round I, and Junior competitors must choose from the Junior division repertoire in Round I.Couples comprised of one Junior Division competitor and one Senior Division competitor must choose from the Junior Division Repertoire in Round I.)
  • Click here for Round I Repertoire: Round I Classical Repertoire.
  • USA IBC Round I Requisite Classical Music

• ROUND II: SEMI-FINALS (Contemporary)
  • Semi-finalists must perform one contemporary piece choreographed after 2014.
  • Total stage time allowed is 4 minutes.
  • Those choosing to appear as a couple may not include solo works in either ther classical or contemporary programs, and must alway appear with the same partner. Competitors should choose from the repertoire of music included in the ASCAP catalog or BMI catalog.
  • If the competitor’s music is not included in the ASCAP or BMI catalog, competitors are responsible for and must provide music permissions in written form to the USA IBC and must be submitted via email to evan@usaibc.com by April 23, 2018.
  • Competitors are responsible for and must provide to the USA IBC written permission for use of choreography for Round II and Round III contemporary pieces. Choreographic permissions, due on April 23, 2018, must be submitted to evan@usaibc.com.

• ROUND III: FINALS (Classical)
  • Solo competitors must perform TWO classical solo variations.You must choose one variation from LIST A and one variation from LIST B from the Round III Classical Repertoire. You will perform Variation “A” first and Variation “B” second.
  • Couples must perform ONE classical pas de deux. Couples must choose pas de deux from the Round III Classical Repertoire.
  • USA IBC Round III Requisite Classical Music 
  • Juniors and Seniors choose from the same repertoire selections in Round III.
  • Music for Round III Classical Repertoire can be found HERE
    • You will need to enter the password usaibc_r3 to access the music. Please note there is a MUSIC A page and MUSIC B page.

• ROUND III: FINALS (Contemporary) 
  • Finalists must perform one contemporary piece choreographed after 2014.
  • Total stage time allowed is 4 minutes.
  • Those choosing to appear as a couple may not include solo works in either ther classical or contemporary programs, and must alway appear with the same partner. Competitors should choose from the repertoire of music included in the ASCAP catalog or BMI catalog.
  • If the competitor’s music is not included in the ASCAP or BMI catalog, competitors are responsible for and must provide music permissions in written form to the USA IBC and must be submitted via email to evan@usaibc.com by April 23, 2018.
  • Competitors are responsible for and must provide to the USA IBC written permission for use of choreography for Round II and Round III contemporary pieces. Choreographic permissions, due on April 23, 2018, must be submitted to evan@usaibc.com.
  • Round III pieces created for the 2014 USA IBC will be eligible for a choreography award.

• AWARDS AND ENCORE GALA
  • Dancers winning awards and their partners must appear in the Awards Gala on Friday, June 22, and the Encore Gala performance on Saturday, June 23.
  • If a dancer is unable to perform due to injury, he or she must provide the USA IBC with a doctor’s statement.
  • Each dancer’s program will be selected by the jury from works performed during the competition.
  • Dancers appearing in classical works are required to perform with an orchestra. No exceptions will be made to this rule. Recorded music may be used for contemporary works ONLY.
  • All medalists are required to attend a professional photo shoot as determined and scheduled by the USA IBC.
  • The Awards Gala will include a performance from the participants of the Choreography Workshop (eliminated competitors and their non-competition partners, from Round I and II, work with an established choreographer to create a new work to be performed at the Awards Gala on Friday, June 22).

B. SOUND REQUIREMENTS

• During competition performances Round I  and Round III (classical music only) will be run from a USA IBC Master Disc. The Master Disc was created from the music made available to dancers on the USA IBC website. Pitch control may not be altered in the theater. 
• Performance Music for Contemporary Pieces in Round II & Round III
  • You will need to submit your separate music files via the separate Round 2 and Round 3 USA IBC dropbox links prior to your arrival in Jackson.
  • Please label your music files: Name_ Title of Work_Round 2 and Name_Title of Work_Round 3
  • Upload your Round 2 music file HERE.
  • Upload your Round 3 music file HERE.
• Back-up Music: Have copies of ALL performance music on separate CDs, one (1) solo or pas de deux on each CD, with you at Thalia Mara Hall during Technical Rehearsals and Performances as emergency back-up.
• Studio Rehearsal Music: Your studio rehearsal music should include music tracks for ALL rounds. You should bring your music files on any devise (cell phone, etc.) that features a headphone or audio output. An AUX cord and speaker will be provided to play your music in studio rehearsals.
  • Studios will be furnished with bluetooth speakers and stereo audio cables with a 3.5 mm plug on one end to connect to the AUX IN input on the speaker.
  • You will plug the cable from your audio device into the AUX IN connector on the back of the speaker.
  • Bring 1 CD of studio rehearsal music for all rounds with you to your studio rehearsal for back-up.

C. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELIMINATED COMPETITORS

• Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase: Monday, June 18 at 6:00 PM
  • The Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase allows competitors eliminated in Round I to have a venue to perform their Round II and Round III contemporary piece prepared for the competition before the USA IBC audience.

• Choreography Workshop with Matthew Neenan
  • Competitors eliminated in Round I and Round II will have the opportunity to work with Matthew Neenan on choreography workshop, the results of which will be presented at the Awards Gala on Friday, June 22 at 7:30 PM

• Petipa Variations with Alexei Ratmansky
  • Dancers have the opportunity to learn original Marius Petipa choreography taught by Alexei Ratmansky and demonstrate for observers of the Petipa lecture demonstration. Four separate sessions are offered to competitors eliminated in Round I and Round II.

• Evaluator Sessions
  • It is important to the USA IBC that each competitor has a positive and constructive experience here in Jackson. Therefore, the USA IBC has arranged for competitors to have the opportunity to consult with qualified dance professionals regarding their performance. The evaluators will be able to discuss the juror’s comments and reasons for their decisions. Competitors will only be eligible to meet with the evaluators in a thirty-minute session once they have been eliminated from the competition.

D. COMPETITOR CLASSES AND REHEARSALS

• Competitor Classes – There will be daily classes given to the competitors. You will have two classes per day to choose from.
• Competitor Rehearsals – Each competitor/couple will have:
  • 1 studio rehearsal each day – one hour long.
  • If a competitor/couple chooses to forgo a rehearsal, they must notify the USA IBC Production Desk.
  • 1 required technical rehearsal (onstage) prior to each round.

• Special Rehearsals
  • Opening Ceremony Rehearsal – Sunday, June 10 (Thalia Mara Hall)
    • All competitors must take part in this rehearsal; failure to participate in the rehearsal or Opening Ceremony will result in disqualification.
  • Awards Gala/Closing Ceremony Rehearsal – Friday, June 22 (Thalia Mara Hall). All finalists (everyone advancing to Round III) and dancers participating in Matthew Neenan’s Choreography Workshop will participate in the Awards Gala on Friday, June 22, 2018.
    • Rehearsals for the Awards Gala are required.
    • Medalists will also perform in the Encore Gala on Saturday, June 23.

E. COMPETITOR AWARDS

• Monetary awards have increased to almost $150,000 for the 2018 USA IBC. Not only will medalists receive larger cash prizes, all finalists (competitors who progress to Round III) will also receive a $1,500 cash stipend.
• To see a list of the schools and companies (to date) offering awards to competitors during the 2018 USA IBC please click 2018 Competitor Awards

F. OFFICIAL COACH INFORMATION

• General Information
  • Due to scheduling restrictions, each coach may only work with 3 competitors/ couples. NO exceptions.
  • Each soloist/couple is restricted to ONE coach. NO exceptions.
  • Coaches who are planning to travel to Jackson for the competition must submit a Coach Application Form, headshot and copy of passport by April 23, 2018. This form will be available online March 21, 2018. 
  • There will be a Coaches Lounge at the rehearsal site.
  • Due to limited space, coaches will have designated competitor class observation days.

• Performance Tickets
  
  • Coaches are responsible for purchasing their own performance tickets and will receive a 20% discount. Please note, if patrons are not using their performance tickets, we ask that they return their tickets to the USA IBC for the coaches to use. The returned tickets will be distributed to the coaches on a first-come, first-served basis.

G. COMPETITOR, NON-COMPETING PARTNER, AND COACH FINAL APPLICATION

• Each Competitor must complete a Competitor Profile Information Form (for marketing purposes) by April 2, 2018.
  • This Competitor Profile Form must be completed online and can be found HERE.
• Competitors, Non-Competing Partners, and Coaches who will be traveling to Jackson with their dancer are required to complete a Final Application by April 23, 2018. This application must be completed online and is available on March 21, 2018.
  • Each dancer is responsible for completing ONE application:
    • COUPLES – Whether a couple is comprised of two competing partners or a competing and non-competing partner, EACH dancers is required to submit a separate application during the final step in the application process.
    • Competitors, Non-Competing Partners, and Coaches will need to enter the basic information and should then select whether they are a COMPETITOR, NON-COMPETING PARTNER, OR COACH and complete the application that follows each selection.

H. TRAVEL AND HOUSING

• Competitors and Non-Competing Partners:
  • Please send a copy of your flight itinerary to the USA IBC Participant Coordinator, Emily Simmons at esimmons@usaibc.com, by April 23, 2018.
    • If we do not have your flight itinerary, we will not be able to arrange for transportation to and from the Jackson airport.
    • When booking your flight to Jackson, MS, please make sure you are selecting the Jackson Evers-International Airport (JAN).
  • The USA IBC will provide housing and food for each competitor and non-competing partner from lunch on Wednesday, June 6 through dinner on Saturday, June 23.
• Coaches
  • Coaches and other guests traveling to Jackson are invited to stay at his/her own expense at area hotels. The Westin Jackson, adjacent to the theater, is the official hotel for the USA IBC 2018. Group rate available until May 1, 2018. Please click HERE for to book your stay.
  • Also, special rates are available for housing and meals at the Millsaps Hotel. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Find more information and book your stay HERE (use password: 2018MHotel).
  • Please send a copy of your flight itinerary to the USA IBC Participant Coordinator, Emily Simmons, esimmons@usaibc.com by April 23, 2018. If we do not have your flight itinerary, we will not be able to arrange for transportation to and from the Jackson airport.
  • Members of the opposite gender may not share a room unless married.
  • Coaches may not share a room with a competitor or non-competing partner unless married to the dancer.

I. WHAT TO PACK

• Cell Phone– Millsaps College residence halls do not have telephones.
• Personal Toiletries
• Shower Shoes (flip-flops)
• Electrical Converters – Many international guests will need converters to use their personal electrical appliances such as hair dryers. (Appliances that use 220 volts or more will need a converter to work in the United States).
• Appropriate Attire – All Competitors and Non-competing partners will need a solid white t-shirt, black pants, and athletic shoes to be worn for the Opening Ceremony. Dancers will also be provided with outfits to be worn during the Opening Ceremony Parade of Nations. These outfits will be distributed at the Opening Ceremony rehearsal on June 10, 2018. The dress for many USA IBC events is formal (evening) wear. Finalists will be expected to attend a press conference and a nice outfit will be necessary (business attire). Please make sure you pack several appropriate outfits. Swimsuit for the competitor pool party on Friday, June 15th (optional). WEATHER – the average temperature is 90 degrees to 100 degrees F (32 degrees to 37 degrees C). Mississippi summers are extremely humid and the heat index will make it feel much hotter! Pack light and loose fit clothing. Bring a light jacket as buildings have air conditioning and tend to be cold.
• Costumes and Dancewear – Bring everything you will need for performances, rehearsals, and classes.
  • For Men (for use at the Choreography Workshop): Black tights that cover the entire leg and foot, with suspenders. A solid black AND white close-fitting shirt.
  • For Women (for use in the Choreography Workshop): A plain black leotard and black skirt (leotards should be tank style or camisole without embellishments. No cross-cross straps in the black). A solid-colored (not black) plain leotard and matching skirt. Pink tights that cover the entire leg and foot.
• Cash – We suggest that you bring a small amount of cash in U.S. dollars. Please have your money converted to US dollars before you arrive. Refer to a currency exchange rate website such as http://www.xe.com/ for specific rates.
• Music – Bluetooth speakers with AUX cord connectors will be made available at all rehearsal sites. Mini disc will NOT be available at rehearsal sites. Bring a devise that connects to the speaker through headphone or audio output using an AUX cord. Remember your back-up CDs for studio and technical rehearsals.
  • Back-up CDs for Round II and Round III Contemporary Works – have CD clearly labeled with Name, Title of Work, and Round Number.
• Carry-on Luggage – Indicate Round I necessities and all back-up music in your flight carry-on luggage. Refer to http://www.tsa.gov/travel for luggage restrictions.

J. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, June 6th

• Competitors arrive in Jackson
• Registration – competitors will draw numbers for order of appearance, badges are issued, room assignments and keys distributed

Thursday, June 7th

• Competitor Orientation
• Studio Rehearsals Begin

Friday, June 8th

• Studio Rehearsals Continue
• Tech Rehearsals Begin

Saturday, June 9th

• Studio and Tech Rehearsals Continue

Sunday, June 10th

• Opening Ceremony, Parade of Nations, and Dancers from Joffrey Ballet performance.

Monday, June 11th

• Round I, Session 1
• Round I, Session 2

Tuesday, June 12th

• Round I, Session 3
• Round I, Session 4

Wednesday, June 13th

• Round I, Session 5
• Round I, Session 6

Thursday, June 14th

• Round I, Session 7
• Round I, Session 8

Friday, June 15th

• Mandatory eliminated competitors meeting
• Round II tech begins
• Choreography Workshop begins. Dancers eliminated in Round I must participate in workshop in order to stay at competition at no cost.
• Competitor Pool Party

Saturday, June 16th

• Round II, Session 1

Sunday, June 17th

• Round II, Session 2
• Round II, Session 3

Monday, June 18th

• Mandatory meeting for dancers eliminated in Round II
• Edward Stierle Showcase

Tuesday, June 19th

• Round III, Session 1

Wednesday, June 20th

• Petipa Variations, Session 1 & 2
• Round III, Session 2

Thursday, June 21st

• Petipa Variations, Session 3 & 4
• Round III, Session 3

Friday, June 22nd

• Awards Gala
• Grand Prix Ball

Saturday, June 23rd

• Photoshoot for Medalists
• Encore Gala

Sunday, June 24th

• Competitors Depart