Havana, January 31 (PL-RHC)-- One of the stars of world ballet, Ukrainian Vladimir Malakhov, calls on Cuba to the second edition of the International Dance Contest of the North Atlantic.

According to a statement by the artist, the event will take place in the eastern province of Holguin, from September 20 to 30 sponsored by the local contemporary dance company Codanza.

Dancers from 18 to 35 years old may opt for the Grand Prix Vladimir Malakhov, by presenting a pas de deux or a classical, neoclassical or contemporary single, with a maximum of ten minutes.

The contest this year incorporates new areas of competence as Vladimir Malakhov Grand Prix for the best company present at the event, the Audience Award and the Paul Seaquist Award.

The latter award grants scholarships and specialization for summer courses at prestigious companies Alvin Ailey (New York), and Joffrey Ballet (Chicago), both in the United States.

The company Codanza will keep the Grand Prix of Choreography that bears its name and the contestant must include, along with the subscription, a piece that has never been performed or premiered within one year, with free theme, a maximum of six performers and duration not exceeding ten minutes. The registration period for the contest will be open up to July 30th.

The first edition of the event had a total of 75 competitors. The event began as a dance contest and became a wonderful festival, said Malakhov after closing that first event

The top winners of the first competition were Cubans Lisbeth Saad, with her touching performance of Edith Piaf in Non, with choreography of Osnel Delgado and Carlos Carbonell with Pasajera la lluvia, choreographed by Nelson Reyes.

Codanza awarded the Grand Prix of Choreography to Joel Gonzalez, from Danza Fragmentada Company, in the province of Guantánamo, for Estaticos.