USA International Ballet Competition - Rules

Rules

Applicants are required to submit a resume and a video. A selection committee invites about 100 of the applicants to compete as either a junior (15 to 18) or a senior (19 - 26). Accepted competitors are provided a list of classical pieces from which to select their competition performances. Competition is for a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for men and women in each of the age categories. Judges do not have to award every medal and sometimes multiple dancers receive a silver or bronze medal. There are additional awards for best couple, The Robert Joffery Memorial award and awards of encouragement for juniors. A choreography award is given to the best contemporary piece performed in the competition.

The competition consists of three rounds. In the first round each competitor must perform one classical paux de deux or two short solos. At the end of the first round about half of the competitors are selected to continue to the next round. The second round is for contemporary dance. Second round competitors are selected for the final round based on their scores in the first two rounds. In the final round each competitor must perform both a classical or contemporary piece. The medals are determined from the third round scores.

There are thirteen jurors and no country is allowed to have more than one jury member. Jurors score each dancer individually based on artistry, technical skill and musicality. Eliminated competitors are allowed a private session with a jury member to review results.