Project Update: Thalia Mara Hall

We are excited that the USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) has made its way back to Jackson for the two-week dance competition bringing dancers from all over the world to our city.  The IBC takes place at Thalia Mara Hall,  the city’s municipal auditorium. CDFL, along with Friends of Thalia Mara Hall, Downtown Jackson Partners, and Copeland & Johns, Inc. General Contractors  worked steadily to get the Hall ready for this year’s competition.

CDFL created the master plan and led the charge managing vendors and city employees to prepare the Hall for the USA IBC.  Repairs, upgrades, and cleaning were completed under CDFL’s direction and made possible by remaining funds from Friends of Thalia Mara Hall, led by past IBC Chairman Haley Fisackerly.

Copeland & Johns stepped in and committed their time to perform the work needed. “We are extremely grateful for the time and energy the Copeland & Johns team put in to this project. They saw a need and went above and beyond to meet the city’s need,” CDFL President and Friends of Thalia Mara Hall board member Rob Farr said.

John Gomez of Downtown Jackson Partners has guided and supported the IBC for the past four years in all of the downtown endeavors and you will see the visible signs of his efforts as you drive through downtown, walk the International Village, and visit the public spaces.  He has also performed a myriad of other duties that have been critical but not as visible.

“This was truly a team effort,” stated Rob Farr. “I am very proud of all the work each party put into making the Hall ready for the USA IBC. The city is honored to host an event like this and I’m pleased that we can provide such a spectacular site.”

Dancer 10 sculpture that traveled from the Bologna Center at Delta State University. Designed by New York sculptor Jack Howard-Potter who is active in the New York City dance community.  Copeland & Johns engineered and built a temporary base to anchor the sculpture. The result is a movable 2300 pound base.