Valentina Kozlova announces the fifth annual Kozlova International Ballet Competition, May 26-30 at Symphony Space. Approximately 180 dancers from 22 countries around the world will come to NY to dance before a panel of judges that includes Chairman Andris Liepa, Tracy Inman, Frank Andersen, Lawrence Rhodes, Nina Ananiashvili, Septime Webre, and more. Categories are Youth (ages 11 & 12), Students (ages 13 & 14), Juniors (ages 15 to 17), and Seniors (ages 18 to 26), appearing in repertory from "Swan Lake," "Sleeping Beauty," "Raymonda," "Paquita," Bournonville ballets, and other classics, selected from the list provided by VKIBC.

Prizes include scholarships to schools and conservatories in Paris, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and much more, and company contracts with the Columbia classical Ballet, Sibiu Ballet Theatre in Romania, and Ballet del Centro de Conocimiento in Argentina. Rounds will be held May 26, 27 & 28; Finals on May 29, and Awards Ceremony and Gala Performance saturday May 30th. For more information please visit the website at www.vkibc.org