World-famous dancer Tan Yuanyuan will be the key figure at the fourth Shanghai International Ballet Competition which begins on August 12 at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center.

Tan, a Shanghai native and currently principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, will not be just an ambassador for the competition but will give a special performance at the closing ceremony on August 21, said Sun Mingzhang, executive director of the competition.

The competition has attracted 176 dancers from 32 countries and regions. The judging panel of nine internationally famous choreographers, has chosen 60 performers as finalists for the competition.

"The candidates are quite competitive and 16 of them have already won golden and silver awards in international ballet competitions,"said Sun.

The competition will switch to the Shanghai Grand Theater for the finals and the closing ceremony.

The winner of the competition will claim a prize worth US$10,000.

A good half of the tickets are selling at bargain prices of between 30 and 80 yuan (US$3.90 to US$10.50), to encourage new ballet fans.

Special guests include Alkis Raftis, the chairman of UNESCO's International Dance Council, and Ilona Copen, founder of the New York International Ballet Competition.