Overview
Are ballet competitions worth it and are they necessary to have a career? The short answer, according to several teachers and school administrators we spoke with, is that it’s not necessary. But, if your dancer decides they do want to compete, we’ve got all the information to help you put your best foot forward during competition season.
Competitions: Are They Worth It And What To Expect
For those who are new to the competition world, what follows is a discussion of the pros and cons of competing, as well as what dancers can expect once they decide to compete.
Blog Post: Ballet Competitions: Are They Worth It?
Blog Post: So Your Dancer Wants To Compete: What To Expect
Ballet Schools: Why They Compete And How They Prepare
We talked with directors of both small and large ballet schools to learn why they compete, what they believe their students get out of it and why it’s great networking for student and school.
Blog Post: Why Are Big Conservatories Competing?
Podcast: How S. Mississippi Ballet Theater Prepares Students For Competitions
Podcast: Mark Carlson And Sandra Kerr: Training For Competitions
Podcast: The Benefits Of Competing: Ilya Kozadayev, UNCSA
Podcast: What’s The Point Of Competing: A Conversation With Peter Stark
Competition Judges: What They Look For
Let’s hear what the competition judges have to say! Check out our article that discusses some of the urban legends that exist around ballet competitions and tune in to our podcast episodes that feature interviews with long-time competition judges..
Blog Post: Competition Judges Pull Back The Curtain
Podcast: Deirdre Miles-Burger, Sarasota Ballet School
Podcast: Judging Ballet Competitions: Jenifer Ringer And James Fayette
Ballet Competition Directors Weigh In
We spoke with directors and key figures from top ballet competitions like the World Ballet Competition, ADC|IBC, Youth America Grand Prix, and the Prix de Lausanne. Despite different structures and scoring methods, they all share a common goal: creating opportunities for dancers. And it’s not just about winning medals — it’s about scholarships and connecting dancers with top schools and companies. One judge even likened the process to matchmaking. Curious? Read on for the details!
Blog Post: Let’s Hear From The Competition Directors!
Podcast: Vasile Petritiu, Founder, World Ballet Competition
Podcast: Peter Merz, Regional Tour Director, ADC|IBC
Podcast: The YAGP Effect: Chatting With YAGP’s Hailey Kolker & Sergey Gordeev
Podcast: Inside The Prix de Lausanne With Cynthia Harvey
Podcast: Inside IBC Helsinki With Nicholas Ziegler
Podcast: Inside IBC Jackson With Mona Nicholas
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