Ballet Competitions
By: Jenny Poe
Ballet competitions are held not only to discover the world’s finest dancers, but to also bring a group of people together that genuinely have a passion and love for the art of ballet. The International Ballet Competition (IBC) originated in Varna, Bulgaria in 1964. The competition eventually expanded to rotating annual events in Varna, Moscow and Tokyo. (Ballet) The great English ballet critic Mr. Arnold Haskell states: "The Ballet Competition in Varna is a remarkable example of co-operation and friendship, of high professional requirements. In Bulgaria a remarkable creative atmosphere and a perfect organization have been established. One can speak of "the spirit of Varna" with respect to ballet on an international scale. Long live "the spirit of Varna!" (Worcel) In 1979 the first event comes to the United States. After a distinguished career as a teacher in New York City, Thalia Mara moved to Jackson, Mississippi, to start a new professional company. From here the competitions expanded to New York. (Ballet)
The U.S.A National Ballet Competition is held every four years, and 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 world’s best dance performances. The USA International Ballet Competition has become known as a Festival of Dance. (Lobrano) The USA IBC is an “Olympic” style competition where ballet stars strive to acquire gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash awards, scholarships, and jobs. Winning this competition could really open a dancer up to a world of professional dancing. The audience is filled with directors from many different locations looking to hire those with the greatest talent. Many dancers leave with contracts, which is possibly the greatest prize.
The New York International Ballet Competition is held every two years at Lincoln Center. It is a three week intensive study program for young dancers and provides them with dance education and employment opportunities. Because the NYBIC takes full responsibility of all financial needs they provide an equal opportunity across economic lines and allow the dancers to be completely focused on the training. It allows them to perform and present themselves at their highest artistic level. (Copen) The study program is completed the third week when the dancers showcase their talents by performing the learned repertoire at Lincoln Center. Since the first NYIBC in 1984, more than half the participating dancers have been offered contracts with major national and international companies.
Ballet is an extremely unique style of dance. It requires an immense amount of strength and hard work. I don’t have any personal experience with this style of dancing but I love to watch ballet because the passion and love that the dancer has for this type of art comes out when they move. When I watch a dedicated dancer perform, I can see their soul, their heart, and all the sweat and hard work they have put into perfecting their form and rhythm. It calms and soothes my mind and, touches my heart. Ballet dancers encourage me to take time in my life to dedicate to the things that I love. It also allows me to realize that only through repetitive practice and commitment can you succeed. Nothing comes easy and if you truly love something you will do whatever it takes to reach the top.
By: Jenny Poe
Ballet competitions are held not only to discover the world’s finest dancers, but to also bring a group of people together that genuinely have a passion and love for the art of ballet. The International Ballet Competition (IBC) originated in Varna, Bulgaria in 1964. The competition eventually expanded to rotating annual events in Varna, Moscow and Tokyo. (Ballet) The great English ballet critic Mr. Arnold Haskell states: "The Ballet Competition in Varna is a remarkable example of co-operation and friendship, of high professional requirements. In Bulgaria a remarkable creative atmosphere and a perfect organization have been established. One can speak of "the spirit of Varna" with respect to ballet on an international scale. Long live "the spirit of Varna!" (Worcel) In 1979 the first event comes to the United States. After a distinguished career as a teacher in New York City, Thalia Mara moved to Jackson, Mississippi, to start a new professional company. From here the competitions expanded to New York. (Ballet)
The U.S.A National Ballet Competition is held every four years, and 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 world’s best dance performances. The USA International Ballet Competition has become known as a Festival of Dance. (Lobrano) The USA IBC is an “Olympic” style competition where ballet stars strive to acquire gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash awards, scholarships, and jobs. Winning this competition could really open a dancer up to a world of professional dancing. The audience is filled with directors from many different locations looking to hire those with the greatest talent. Many dancers leave with contracts, which is possibly the greatest prize.
The New York International Ballet Competition is held every two years at Lincoln Center. It is a three week intensive study program for young dancers and provides them with dance education and employment opportunities. Because the NYBIC takes full responsibility of all financial needs they provide an equal opportunity across economic lines and allow the dancers to be completely focused on the training. It allows them to perform and present themselves at their highest artistic level. (Copen) The study program is completed the third week when the dancers showcase their talents by performing the learned repertoire at Lincoln Center. Since the first NYIBC in 1984, more than half the participating dancers have been offered contracts with major national and international companies.
Ballet is an extremely unique style of dance. It requires an immense amount of strength and hard work. I don’t have any personal experience with this style of dancing but I love to watch ballet because the passion and love that the dancer has for this type of art comes out when they move. When I watch a dedicated dancer perform, I can see their soul, their heart, and all the sweat and hard work they have put into perfecting their form and rhythm. It calms and soothes my mind and, touches my heart. Ballet dancers encourage me to take time in my life to dedicate to the things that I love. It also allows me to realize that only through repetitive practice and commitment can you succeed. Nothing comes easy and if you truly love something you will do whatever it takes to reach the top.
