Bill Text: MS SC532 | 2014 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Commemorate 35 years of the USA/IBC Competition and congratulate Sue Lobrano for 34 years of leadership.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-2)
Status: (Passed) 2014-02-11 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC532 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-SC532-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blount
Senate Concurrent Resolution 532
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING 35 YEARS OF THE USA INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION AND CONGRATULATING SUE LOBRANO FOR 34 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE AND DEDICATION IN SPEARHEADING THIS EVENT IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, one of the elite ballet events in the world, the USA International Ballet Competition comes to Jackson on June 14-29, 2014, as the official International Ballet Competition for the United States, and is celebrating its 35th year. This competition is attended by dancers from all over the world to represent their country for Bronze, Silver or Gold Medals in a variety of categories of ballet in an Olympic-Style Competition; and
WHEREAS, the first International Ballet Competition (IBC) premiered in Varna in 1964 and eventually grew into a cycle of ballet competitions that rotated among the three cities of Varna, Moscow and Tokyo. In 1975, the Jackson Ballet Guild invited Thalia Mara, renowned ballet teacher and educator, to develop a professional ballet company and school for the State of Mississippi. As a part of her development plan, she introduced city leaders to the idea of international ballet competitions and convinced them to secure the USA IBC for the City of Jackson. In 1978, the nonprofit corporation, Mississippi Ballet International, Inc. (MBI), was created to produce the first International Ballet Competition in the United States. Robert Joffrey, renowned Artistic Director of the Joffrey Ballet, agreed to chair the first international panel of jurors. With the help of local, national and international endorsements, combined with the energy and commitment of the citizens of Jackson, the first USA International Ballet Competition was held in June 1979, featuring 70 dancers from 15 countries; and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the first competition, a sanction was received from the International Dance Committee of the International Theater Institute (ITI) of UNESCO for the USA IBC. Thus, Jackson joined other ITI-sanctioned competitions that rotated each year among Varna, Moscow and Tokyo; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution designating Jackson as the official home of the International Ballet Competition within the United States. The second USA IBC was held the same summer with 78 dancers representing 19 countries. The 1982 Competition was featured in a 90-minute ABC/PBS film, To Dance For Gold, which aired around the world. Subsequent Competitions have enjoyed an ever-growing number of competitor applications in addition to worldwide publicity and acclaim. While International Ballet Competitions have multiplied over the last three decades, the USA IBC has remained one of the most respected in the world, maintaining the highest international standards of dance. The dance world comes to Jackson, Mississippi, every four years because of the prestige of the event and its significance in helping competitors land professional contacts and apprenticeships with leading companies. For a ballet dancer, the stage of Thalia Mara Hall during the USA IBC can be a launching pad for a brilliant career. The 2010 Competition drew 100 competitors from 31 nations and visitors from 10 nations and 43 states to Jackson; and
WHEREAS, Sue Lobrano joined the USA IBC in 1980, and she has served as Executive Director of the organization since 1986. Sue directs and oversees all operations of the USA IBC, develops the USA IBC budget and is the official spokesperson of the organization. She also supervises office staff, determines volunteer committee needs and represents the USA IBC Board of Directors at sanctioned competitions and international dance meetings around the world. Sue is a former dancer and dance teacher. She taught at the Jackson Ballet under the direction of Thalia Mara and operated her own dance school for 13 years. With a very small staff that expands only in the six months before each competition, Sue has been the constant hand at the wheel, steering the competition with the expertise required to maintain its stellar international reputation, financial stability and volunteer support. She has been a graceful and effective ambassador for her city, state and country and a champion of classical ballet. Under her leadership, the two-week USA IBC generated a $10.3 Million economic impact for the city and state in 2010, and expects to exceed that amount in 2014; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the world's top competition for ballet and its Mississippi leadership, which has enriched the lives of all Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate 35 years of the USA International Ballet Competition held every four years in Jackson, Mississippi, and congratulate the leadership and legacy of Sue Lobrano for 34 years of faithful service and dedication in spearheading this event, extending the thanks of a grateful state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Sue Lobrano and the Board of Trustees of USA International Ballet Competition, transmitted to the Governor of the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
