Hightstown Resident to Compete in International Competition

Two students in the Princeton Dance and Theatre Studio (PDT) Conservatory Program are heading to Indiana next week to compete at the first Indianapolis International Ballet Competition.

The Indianapolis International Ballet Competition takes place June 11-14, and will evaluate dancers based on classical and contemporary performances and as an “overall dancer.”

Abigail Anthony, 15, of Plainsboro, qualified for the competition by sending a video of herself doing a classical variation from Don Quixote.

Jorina Kardhashi, a junior at Princeton Day School, sent a video of herself dancing a variation from Le Corsair.

Anthony started her training at the School of San Francisco Ballet. Her performing experiences have included the role of “Clara” for Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 2012 and leading roles with Princeton Youth Ballet (PYB). She was most recently seen as the Robin in The Secret Garden, choreographed by PDT Director and PYB Artistic Director, Risa Kaplowitz.

Kardhashi, of Hightstown, started her training at PDT 12 years ago. She has had many leading roles with PYB and was most recently seen in the lead role of Mary in The Secret Garden.

Both dancers feel the coaching experience has been a highlight of their training.

“Risa Kaplowitz’s attention to details has refined my skills, and I feel as though I have grown tremendously as a dancer this past year,” Anthony said.

“It is a nice change from my normal routine to work on perfecting classical variations with Mrs. Kaplowitz,” Kardhashi said. “I find the preparation to be very beneficial as there are hours spent perfecting every little technical detail and bringing out my artistry.”

Dancers will be evaluated in daily classes and on-stage. They will have the chance to work with renowned artists and teachers.

Non-professional competitors in Lower, Upper and Pre-professional Divisions will include all dancers age 11 – 19 (age determined as of the first day of the competition), and gentlemen up to age 21.

Participating judges and schools are offering scholarships, and studio companies are offering contracts at all age levels.

Medalists in the Pre-professional Division will earn cash prizes. Gold medalists will earn $6,000. Silver medalists earn $3,000. Bronze medalists earn $1,000.

“Getting into the competition itself is an honor,” Kaplowitz said. “They will be coached and judged by some of the most famous dancers and teachers in the world, and I know they will have a wonderful experience.”

For more information about the Indianapolis International Ballet Competition, please visit www.indianapoliscityballet.org

For more information about Princeton Dance and Theater Studio, please visit www.princetondance.com.

Photo 1: Abigail Anthony rehearsing variation from Don Quixote. Photo by Risa Kaplowitz

Photo 2: Jorina Kardhashi rehearsing Le Corsair variation. Photo by Risa Kaplowitz