June 14, 2014. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Ballet Competition.

Every four years, the International Ballet Competition is held in Jackson. It is their permanent site in the United States. Every year the competition is held somewhere, either in Russia, or Japan or Argentina. We are lucky to live in Jackson and have arranged to be here to attend some of the dancing. Top dancers from other countries apply for the competition. Winning almost guarantees that you will be hired. The dancers are all looking to become professionals so the quality of the dance is high. Tomorrow afternoon we six will attend the first of the competitions. The dancers are required to dance one piece of classical and one modern. Tuesday afternoon is the second section of round number one. We will attend it too. Four years ago, the dancing was wonderful and I expect it will be again. Who would know that Jackson, Mississippi is a hot bed of ballet in the United States. They have two professional dance companies that tour the world. In the whole of Washington, DC there is one. Next time the competition is held in Jackson, in 2018, I hope to be here to attend every session. I am counting on being here, even though I will be 80. We must plan ahead!!