2006 American Ballet Competition-YEAR FOUR
Talented young dancers from throughout the United States, France, Central and South America and Mexico participated in the 2006 American Ballet Competition in
Miami, Florida last June 9-12. The competition was held and hosted by New World School of the Arts--Dance Division.
Master classes and coaching sessions are an important component of the competition and contestants enjoyed
the extraordinary educational opportunity of the master classes conducted by Gilbert Mayer of the Paris Opera Ballet.
A two-day teachers' workshop with Mr. Mayer, concentrating on the philosophy and teaching techniques of the Paris Opera Ballet School, was enthusiastically
received by teachers from throughout the US and abroad. The workshop will be offered once again in 2007.
"The expansion of an annual teachers'workshop and conference in conjunction with the competition is in our
development plan." says Katherine Kersten, artistic director of the competition. "Often, not enough attention is concentrated on the all important basics of training such as the use and articulation of the foot and the proper use of extensions. Bringing teachers
together from many different backgrounds to discuss technique and methodology and to work through the
basics is invaluable for all involved."
ABC's competition component is organized to include three age divisions: Division I, for pre-competitive students ages 10-12, competing with original variations choreographed by their teachers; Division II, for students ages 13-15, competing for cash awards and
scholarships offered to some of the most prestigious dance schools and companies, and Division III, for students ages 16-19, competing for scholarships and traineeships offered by several professional companies.
Stellar companies and schools awarding national, international scholarships and traineeships in 2007 include Victor Ullate Ballet, Madrid, Spain; Jeune Ballet de Quebec, Canada; Nevada Ballet Theatre; Interlochen Arts Academy; Purchase College-Conservatory of Dance; Boston Ballet School; American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet's Center for Dance Education; Academy of Colorado Ballet; Ballet Austin Academy; Cincinnati Ballet's Otto M. Budig Academy; Florida Dance Festival;
Interlochen Arts Camp; Joffrey Ballet School, NY; Atlanta Ballet; Milwaukee Ballet School and North Carolina School of the Arts.
In addition, cash prizes are awarded to the winners competing in three divisions. Artistic directors are invited to attend the competition which serves as
a showcase of potential new talent for their companies.
For more information, visit www.americanballetcompetition.com or e-mail
ABCompetition@aol.com