Introducing the Iowa City Area Sports Commission’s March Playmaker of the Month, Lissette Lucas!
Once a month, we will be highlighting our sports community members during a time of year they work closely with our team.
Learn more about Lissette Salgado-Lucas, Founder and President of Universal Ballet Competition.
Born in Miami, Florida, Lissette evolved her passion for dance while studying with Liana Navarro, Judith Reece Newman and Marianna Alvarez. In 1988, she joined the Joffrey Ballet and danced with the company for 7 years. Some of Lissette’s roles included Balanchine’s Tarantella, Frederick Ashton’s Les Patinuers and La Fille Mal Gardee, Kurt Jooss’s The Green Table, John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, Jiri Kylian’s Return to Stand Land, Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain and Viva Vivaldi, and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. In 1995, Lissette joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and danced in many lead roles. Lissette has taught at the North Caroline School of the Arts, South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts and Dillard High School for the Performing Arts, and is the Founder/President of Shake the Ground, the Ultimate Dance Competition, her extensive professional experience and relationship with professionals in the industry allow Shake the Ground to expand on a national platform. Since 105 Lissette has co-directed along with her husband, David, the Joffrey Ballet School Summer of Hip-Hop Program in New York City.
How long has Universal Ballet Competition been a company?
This is UBC’s 12th year.
What is your favorite thing about ballet competitions?
I enjoy meeting the dancers and watching them grow year after year. Giving them opportunities to further their summer dance training and helping them reach their goals.
How many dancers competed in UBC Iowa City?
220 dancers.
View photos from UBC Iowa City hosted March 21 – 23, 2025 at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, Iowa.