After Sydney last year, the world's most prestigious ballet awards are being staged in Birmingham in September. Annie Roberts found out more about ballet's 'Oscars'.
 The world is at the feet of young dancers who will be arriving in Birmingham to compete in the world's most prestigious ballet awards. Sydney, Australia, played host to the Genee International Ballet Competition last year; now it is the turn of Birmingham to welcome the 'Oscars' of the ballet world. The move has delighted the great and the good of the ballet world who see this as a showcase for students between 15 and 19 to show their true grit.
 Andrew Ward, Project Manager of the 72-year-old competition and Director of Development at the Royal Academy of Dance, is excited about the prospects in store. The contest, which starts on September 20 will culminate in a final at the Hippodrome to select the elite of the elite on Sunday, September 28. Andrew, who is working closely with Birmingham Royal Ballet, the BRB, said: "This is a chance for the very best of the young dancers in the world to take a step into the profession. "It is only when you get on the stage and there is so much expectation from the audience that you can see what each dancer is like - who can really cope with the challenges of performing. "We can practise as much as we like but on the stage you suddenly realise what it is really like. It may not be the person who has the best technical ability but the one who can hold an audience." The prestigious annual competition is the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD's syllabus and on the verge of their careers. Birmingham International Airport has helped sponsor the travel for the candidates who have been chosen from across the world. During the week expectations will be high.
 One dancer who understands the pressures is Alain Dubreuil, who won the competition in the early 60s and is now BRB Ballet Master. Alain, a former principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, said: "It is just fantastic that this event is being held in Birmingham. It is really excellent for the dancers who will get to be seen by lots of the ballet directors which will affect their future." The Royal Academy of Dance Conference, which is open to the public, will run at the Hippodrome from Friday, September 26 until the finals on Sunday. The delegates will attend lectures, classes and workshops taught by leading artists, venture backstage, meet the company and attend exclusive events hosted by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and BRB director David Bintley CBE. He said: "(The competition) will bring an international profile for ballet and will open up opportunities for some of our most talented young dancers. "Birmingham Royal Ballet plays a vital part in dance training in the UK and our new link with the Royal Academy of Dance is an important part of that." For conference booking information call 0207 326 8051 for details about the conference or see the website at www.rad.orgk.uk/conference2003.html For the finals, open to the public from 6.30pm, on Sunday, September 28th, call 0870 730 1234 or e-mail, tickets@bhip.ws | 
