International ballet competition draws dozens of dancers from 31 countries to Mississippi

International ballet event draws dancers to Miss.

JACKSON, Miss. — More than 100 young dancers will be in Jackson for the next two weeks competing in the USA International Ballet Competition.

The dancers come from 31 countries in search of medals and contracts that could boost their careers. Many have spent months preparing for the Olympic-style event that’s held every four years in the heart of America’s South.

The USA IBC is the United States’ official international ballet competition. Arthur Mitchell, founding artistic director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, is the honorary chairman of this year’s event. It starts Saturday and runs through June 27.