Two Aussies in Beijing

Two Australians have qualified for the 2018 Beijing International Ballet Competition (BIBC) : Grace Carroll (pictured) and Thomas Dilley.

This year marks the sixth edition of the BIBC, a prestigious competition that attracts dancers from all around the world. Applicants must first submit a DVD and, if selected, then take part in two rigorous rounds of qualification at the Beijing Academy in front of a highly esteemed panel of international judges.

Grace, the daughter of Australian surfer Tom Carroll, has been a full time student of the Tanya Pearson Academy in Sydney since 2016. She is in Level 2 of the TPA’s full time training program, training with Artistic Director, Lucinda Dunn OAM. She travels daily from her home at Newport to the TPA studios at St Leonards and her goal is to become a professional classical ballet dancer in a leading company.

Grace has qualified for Category C at the competition which is for students born between October 19, 2002, and October 18, 2004. Competitors in this category are required to perform both a classical and contemporary piece.

The main prize at the competition, the “Prix de BDA”, is valued at US$10,000. The other prizes awarded in Category C are:

First prize: one male and one female (US$8,000 each)
Second prize:  two males and two females (US$6,000 each)
Third prize: three males and three females, (US$4,000 each)
Jury Special Prize: one male or female (US$1,000)

The Competition will take place at the Beijing Academy from 19 to 23 October 2018. Further information about the Beijing International Ballet Competition: here