Valentina Kozlova International Dance Competition

Prestigious Dance Competition Draws the World's Best

More than 180 of the world's most talented ballet and contemporary dancers battle for life-changing contracts and scholarships at the 5th Annual Valentina Kozlova Competition at Symphony Space in New York. Kozlova was born and studied in Russia, later becoming the principal dancer for both the Bolshoi Ballet and New York City Ballet, and now she heads up her own New York dance conservatory. This year's contestants are from 22 countries and are divided into three different groups, from ages 13-25. They'll perform before a panel of judges chaired by Andris Liepa, former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, along with dance luminaries Nina Ananiashvili, Frank Andersen and 25 others. Come check out the finals on Friday and return on Saturday to see the awards handed out, along with a special performance.