Ballet Beyond Borders, the dance event that has brought the world’s finest dancers and artists to Missoula, has announced a new Dance Challenge and Festival August 7-10 in Los Angeles, California.

Charlene Campbell Carey, Artistic Director of the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theater, and President of Ballet Beyond Borders, said the move to a major metropolitan center like Los Angeles just made sense for all involved.

“It makes perfect sense to move it there.” Said Campbell Carey. “”We’ll be producing our very unique brand of global cultural exchange called ballet Beyond Borders which brings together some of the greatest young talent in not just ballet, but in contemporary dance and in choreography. These are dancers who are also interested in social justice issues, in diplomacy, and the entire week will be devoted to the role of the arts in global communication.”

Campbell Carey said the Los Angeles production will be modeled after the competitions and presentations for the last two years in Missoula.

“Yes, it will be very similar in format,” she said. “We will be competing, and that will lead up to the Diplomacy Conference on Saturday, August 10th at Loyola Marymount University and they will be our hosts there. We’ll be at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts center that evening for the final global ballet gala.”

From a press release:

‘Prizes, Scholarships & Education: Prizes will include cash, scholarships, and awards to prestigious programs in the USA and abroad. In addition to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in every category, special recognition prizes will be awarded from the distinguished international jury panel. All amateurs, students, and professionals of all nationalities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the BBB dance challenge. Participants will also have the opportunity to express themselves and compete in an essay contest reflecting on the mission of Ballet Beyond Borders.

For registration information and official Ballet Beyond Borders Dance Challenge Rules & Regulations, click here.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM