company focus

USA International Ballet Competition: Davit Karapetyan and Vanessa Zahorian
By Dean Speer & Francis Timlin - Jackson, Mississippi, June 2006
We chatted with IBC competitor Davit Karapetyan and his “non-competing partner” Vanessa Zahorian over an early breakfast at the “Olympic Village” of the IBC, Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi – Mr. Karapetyan having been advanced to Round II. Both are principal dancers with San Francisco Ballet.
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Genée International Ballet Competition - Final
By Ana Abad-Carles - Sadler's Wells, London, September 11, 2005
Fifteen candidates reached the finals -- nine girls and six boys -- who were asked to perform three solos, two of which were set pieces in their male and female versions. The third solo was a Classical Repertoire variation.
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Kaori Nakamura, Pacific Northwest Ballet: Conquering English, French, and the Public
By Dean Speer and Francis Timlin - November 2004
I entered the Prix de Lausanne competition in 1985 and I won! I got a scholarship to a ballet school of my choice, and I picked SAB (School of American Ballet) and went for the all-year program. I was only 15, didn’t know anyone and didn’t speak a word of English at all. At first, it was very hard and frustrating.
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Interview with the Royal Danish Ballet's Yao Wei and Ulrik Birkkjær
By Denise Sum - Toronto, Canada, March 2, 2007
Ulrik Birkkjær and Yao Wei were in Toronto to participate in the 7th International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize. I caught up with the pair backstage after their dress rehearsal, the night before the performance. Despite being exhausted and jet-lagged, both dancers were cheerful and a pleasure to talk to. They danced wonderfully together in the competition, and Birkkjær took home the male .
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USA International Ballet Competition Juror Nina Novak: Novak's Uniting Passion
By Dean Speer and Francis Timlin - Jackson, Mississippi, June 2006
We met with the charming Nina Novak whilst in Jackson, Mississippi for the Round I of the 2006 USA IBC. Hers is an amazing story of courage and of her belief in the redemptive and uplifting nature of ballet.
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Seventh Erik Bruhn Prize Competition
by Denise Sum - Toronto, Canada, March 3, 2007
NBoC first soloist, Hirano, burst on to the stage and commanded the audience to take notice. His jumps were huge and his landings soft and secure. I have seen him dance several times, but I have never seen him look so strong.  Periera, a replacement for an injured Bridgett Zehr, was also a joy to watch.
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Voices of Past Participants of the USA International Ballet Competition
by Liz Densmore, Director of Public Relations, USAIBC - March 2008
The USA International Ballet Competition was founded in 1978 by Thalia Mara. The first competition took place in 1979, the next in 1982, and every four years since. The hospitable town of Jackson, Mississippi provides its home. For many participants, the USA IBC has had profound affects on their lives. Here are some of their thoughts on their experiences…
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