JACKSON, Miss. – The Outlets of Mississippi will provide six $1,500 scholarship awards for Mississippi ballet students enrolled in the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition Dance School, June 10-23, in Jackson.
The scholarships will help talented Mississippi youths participate in a unique and valuable summer dance experience, according to Mona Nicholas, USA IBC Executive Director.
“The USA IBC Dance School, held every four years during the competition, offers an opportunity to study with a distinguished international faculty and see top dancers from around the globe perform,” Nicholas said. “In sponsoring these scholarships The Outlets of Mississippi is demonstrating its commitment to our state’s young people and the arts.”
As the state’s largest outlet shopping destination, The Outlets of Mississippi became aware of the international ballet competition when the shopping center opened four years ago in Pearl, according to Kathy Hackshaw CSM, Director of Retail Operations/General Manager.
“The strenuous training and discipline that ballet offers to young people build both integrity and grace that last a lifetime,” Hackshaw said. “The Outlets of Mississippi is proud to be a sponsor of this prestigious event.”
Scholarship recipients will be selected in audition classes Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Mississippi Arts Center, 201 E. Pascagoula St. Audition class times are 10-11:30 a.m. for students ages 12-15 and noon-1:30 p.m. for ages 16-20. Eligibility guidelines for the USA IBC Dance School and Mississippi scholarships are available at www.usaibc.com/study. Questions may be directed to Arianna Marcell, Dance School Administrator, at 601-355-9853, ext. 3.
The 325,000 square-foot Outlets of Mississippi features a collection of more than 80 leading designer and name brands with savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices. Visit www.outletsofms.com for more information.
The USA IBC is the official international ballet competition for the United States, designated by a Joint Resolution of the U.S. Congress. The two-week event draws competitors and audiences from approximately 25 nations to Jackson. Approximately 160 students are expected to attend the Dance School. Visit www.usaibc.com for more information.