serving upstate South Carolina

News

Oct 9, 2011 - Fall Chamber Concert

A   Fall Chamber Concert featuring classic ballet exerpts from Swan Lake, in addition to musicial and opera performances by local artists will be presented at the IBA studio on Oct 9 at 2:00 and 4:00.   Tickets for 2:00 performances are $5 for children and $10 for adults.  Tickets for the 4:00 performance and reception are $10. 

 March 19 2011 -  Chamber Concert - Sold Out

The Chamber Concert presented by  IB, The International Trio, Carolina Ballet Theatre and members of the GLOW Opera organization at the IBA Studios on March 19 was a sell out!  The collaboration of these fine musicians, singers and dancers produced an inspiring evening for all.  We look forward to a series of Chamber concerts next season with many artists from around the area.  PICTURES OF THE CONCERTS COMING SOON.     

Sept 2010 - IB Principal Dancer joins American Ballet Theatre II

Cara Marie Gary, principal dancer for International Ballet, has accepted a position at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. Gary was selected to perform with ABT II, a small classical company of twelve young dancers of outstanding potential. The dancers (ages 16-20) are handpicked from around the world by the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre. Under the leadership of ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and ABT II Director Wes Chapman, ABT II prepares these dancers to enter American Ballet Theatre and provides opportunities for the emergence of new and established choreographers and composers.

Gary first caught Wes Chapman’s eye at an ABT Summer Intensive in 2008, and while Gary was competing in the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson this past June, he approached her. Chapman encouraged Gary to audition for a position with ABT II. With the help of IB dancer Jerry Zayas, Gary prepared an audition DVD of her past IB performances, including The Nutcracker, Paquita, and most recently, Coppelia. In late July, Gary received the news that both Chapman and ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie were impressed with her audition and offered her the position. Gary is the only new female joining the company this season.

Gary begins working with ABT II in September 2010. She will be participating in outreach programs

 with the company, performing around the New York City area and throughout the United States, and performing in Europe during the Spring of 2011. Additionally, Gary is already working on arrangements for herself and an ABT II partner to return this Christmas to reprise her role as Clara in IB’s production of The Nutcracker.

ABT II’s varied repertoire mirrors the traditions of American Ballet Theatre, and, while it is firmly rooted in classical ballet, it also includes contemporary choreography. ABT II dancers train in the program for one or two years before joining American Ballet Theatre's main company or other leading national and international professional companies. In addition, ABT II dancers enhance their experience through performance opportunities with American Ballet Theatre's main company, in such large-scale ballets as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty.