“The New York International Ballet Competition – founded 20 years ago and offered every three years – has established itself as one of the world’s premiere dance contests. It can pull promising dancers up from relative obscurity, enhance their professional education and boost them into career opportunities that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. And, with 48 dancers from 23 nations (and Puerto Rico) participating, it sets for itself the rather lofty goal of promoting international understanding and goodwill. All this in an intensive three weeks of class, rehearsal and performance.”