By Carol Norris
Enquirer contributor

John Zurick, Cincinnati Ballet's executive director from 1998-2001, has been named executive director for the Prague International Ballet Competition. His Cincinnati-based ZQI Inc. will become the U.S. headquarters for the organization.

The Prague International, launched this year, is the latest event where young dancers compete for medals and cash prizes. Nine countries were represented at last year's inaugural gala.

Jana Kurova, Prague International's artistic director, says in a press release that Mr. Zurick was selected because "John's knowledge of the business of ballet is uniquely complemented by his commitment to the art of ballet."

Before working for Cincinnati Ballet, Mr. Zurick was marketing director for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (1983-1988) and director of Finis, a post-production company, from 1989-94. He established ZQI in '94 as a leadership consulting firm serving arts, health care and social service organizations.

Mr. Zurick says he will maintain his Cincinnati base and spend about a week each month in Prague.

The competition is Aug. 3-9 in Prague, Czech Republic. Soloists and couples compete in two categories: senior (19-25) and junior (15-18). For information: ZQI Inc., 1775 Mentor Ave., Suite 402, Cincinnati 45212, 396-6006.

Wexner Prize: Although he was born in New York in 1949 and danced with the Joffrey Ballet when it was located there, choreographer William Forsythe has made an international name for himself in Europe, primarily with the Frankfurt Ballet. His works are wildly popular and are on dance company "want" lists all over the world.

His genius was honored in Columbus, when he won the 10th annual Wexner Prize, funded through a gift from Abigail and Leslie H. Wexner. The Nov. 26 celebration came with a $50,000 check and a commemorative sculpture designed by artist Jim Dine.

The prize is awarded each year to a contemporary artist who ". . .has been consistently original, influential and challenging to convention." Mr. Forsythe is widely considered a revolutionary thinker who challenges modern and ballet companies alike. Past recipients include filmmaker Martin Scorsese and visual artist Robert Rauschenberg.

Mr. Forsythe's pieces require incredible strength and draw from ballet's tradition of virtuosity, but are decidedly contemporary, often stretching the boundaries from hard edge to tenderness. His overtly modern approach to traditional dance draws company directors to him and his work.

The three-day event included director Mike Figgis' (Leaving Las Vegas) film of Mr. Forsythe's work, Just Dancing Around.

"William Forsythe gave a presentation to a packed theater - students, faculty and community members with a panel of critics, choreographers and a filmmaker practically tripping over themselves to talk about him," Wexner Center's communications manager Karen Simonian said last week. Cutting-edge choreographers Senta Driver and John Jasperse were part of the panel,"

Ms. Simonian added that the usually talkative Mr. Forsythe was nearly speechless and choked back tears when he said, "This comes at a good time for me . . ." (referring to the recent decision in Germany to disband the Frankfurt Ballet after next season).

A free multimedia display featuring Mr. Forsythe's work will run through Dec. 15 in the lower lobby of the Wexner Center, on the OSU campus, 1871 N. High St.. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. (614) 292-3535 and www.wexarts.org.

Principal dancer: It hasn't taken Dimitri Trubchanov long to rise through the ranks at Cincinnati Ballet, where he has just been named principal dancer.

Mr. Trubchanov, from Turkmenestan, began his career with the company during its 2000-01 season in the corps de ballet. He was named a senior soloist this year, but has danced primarily principal roles. Artistic director Victoria Morgan announced the promotion after his masterful handling of Prince Florimund in the company's recent Sleeping Beauty.

E-mail norris@one.net