In addition to having access to the professional ballet world stage in New York City, and receiving contracts, medals, awards and cash prizes, during their time at NYIBC the dancers formed a versatile international company in which lifelong associations were born.

Ilona Copen Award
The Ilona Copen Award is an honorary award, celebrating the significant contributions to the ballet field by an individual, company or institution who or which provides young ballet dancers with: the finest optimal educational, mentoring and cultural experiences; inspiration and encouragement to advance their careers to their fullest potential, raising their level of artistry and stimulating their growth as individual human beings. The first Ilona Copen Award was presented at the NYIBC Gala on March 22, 2011. Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, presented the award to Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux of Charlotte Ballet (then North Carolina Dance Theatre) and the Chautauqua Institution.

Igor Youskevitch Award
In 1996, American Ballet Theatre and NYIBC created an award to commemorate the life and work of NYIBC’s First Artistic Director, Igor Youskevitch. The award consists of a one-year contract to an NYIBC participant of ABT’s choosing. The first Igor Youskevitch Award, offered or withheld at the discretion of American Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, was offered that same year.

Arpino Award
In the spring of 2004, NYIBC and Joffrey Ballet memorialized an agreement under which Joffrey Ballet would offer a one-year contract to an NYIBC participant. The award was named the Arpino Award in honor of Mr. Gerald Arpino, acclaimed choreographer, dancer, and Co-Founder of Joffrey Ballet. The Arpino Award, offered or withheld at the discretion of Joffrey Ballet’s Artistic Director, was offered for the first time in 2005.

E. Virginia Williams Award 
In the fall of 2012, NYIBC and Boston Ballet made an agreement under which Boston Ballet would offer a one-year contract to its second company, Boston Ballet II, to an NYIBC participant. The award, the E. Virginia Williams Award, would be offered or withheld at the discretion of Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director. Founder of Boston Ballet, Ms. Williams played a significant role in the development of American ballet with a commitment to dance performance and education of the highest caliber.