You get a tangible reward. It was just pressure-washed. The IBC continues at Thalia Mara hall through June 23, with three rounds in contemporary and classical ballet competitions. Tickets are available at all competitive rounds at usaibc.tix.com or at the Thalia Mara hall IBC box office, 601-973-9249. Previously, event activity was spread across the city. For the 2018 IBC, it will be concentrated in downtown Jackson. The IBC leaders wanted to create an arts hub that would include the new Westin Jackson, Thalia Mara Hall and Jackson Convention Complex. Mona Nicholas (executive director of the IBC), says, “Boom, boom boom, boom. Everything in a straight-line.” Competitors live at Millsaps College, while only the International Dance School is located on the Belhaven University campus. It was logical to place the International Village in downtown. Street lights are decorated with banners, flags, and posters from past winners and hung on walls to create a festive atmosphere. The Thalia Mara Hall stage hosts dancers who compete for bronze, silver and gold awards. A tutu check is a similar to a coat check but with more tulle, in case any female competitors need it for a tech rehearsal. The convention complex is also home to lectures and films. Thalia Mara Hall’s Thalia Mara Hall is home to the sculpture “Dancer 10”, by Jack Howard-Potter from New York. It sets the scene for the intense competition inside. The IBC’s temporary loan to the Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden, Delta State University for the duration of the event saw the dancing dancer become a celebrity for both dancers as well as attendees. Jacksonians saw the most significant change in the concrete courtyard that lies between Pascagoula Street and the Arts Center. This neglected spot was rehabilitated for the IBC and others. Party on the Plaza will be held at the IBC from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 16th. It will transform the space into a social hub with food trucks, musicians, and other vendors. This party is free and open to all. It will bring attention to the new space as well as Round II of contemporary competition. This is a chance to enjoy the space and meet other IBC attendees before the show. The Community Foundation for Mississippi provided the primary funding for the improvements. Additional financial and in-kind support was provided by Entergy Mississippi and Brunini Law Firm, Brunini Lighting, Davaine Lighting, Trustmark National Bank and Green Oak Nursery. The stumps of dead or dying trees were removed and ground, and new plants were added. Concrete was pressure-washed to reveal a lighter and softer shade. Bistro lights that zigzag through the plaza are supported by jaunty red poles. Austin Richardson, Davaine Lighting’s founder, said that “all the glamour — it is a difficult process.” He and Daniel Roach dug holes in the damp dirt to place the poles as they worked in May. Karen McKie, Green Oak’s director of marketing, says that all of the people who contributed to this effort — individuals, businesses, donors and volunteers — want it to continue. She says that the poles were removed and the trees are gone. “We decided to keep the colors short, fluffy and pretty so they would not be too distracting.” Knockout roses were added to the surviving bushes. Permanent plants with burgundy, yellow, seasonal color, drift and other roses were also put in. “Florific everywhere.” “Everything just fell into place in the last two months. John Gomez, an associate director at Downtown Jackson Partners, and an IBC board Member, said that it was a “really great community effort” in transforming the space. He even brought a rake home to help. David Lewis, Greater Jackson Arts Council project manager, says that the IBC provided energy and momentum to help focus on the space and connect it with the convention center. Kinshasa Watson is the IBC volunteer coordinator for parties, and is thrilled to see the space transform from “a drab” to a venue for future events and hospitality. “It’s such an amazing space for the city, in front of one its major buildings, so it’s nice to see that it has been restored.” What does it look like after the fact?” “It leaves the place looking better than it was before it happened.”_x000D