SHORT TAKES : Dancers Come Up Short of Gold

Judges for the third New York International Ballet Competition were unable to award gold medals when the event concluded.

It was the third time the competition has failed to produce superior winners. No gold was awarded for men in 1984, and none for women in 1987.

“The basic principle of the competition is that the candidate for the gold should exhibit a very well-rounded dance education,” said Igor Youskevitch, artistic director of the competition. “When such a candidate stands out, there are no doubts on the part of the panel. If there is no such clear-cut candidate, then they can elect not to award the gold.”

At a special awards gala Tuesday night, silver medals were given to Aidar Akhemetov of the Soviet Union and Victor Alvarez of Spain in the men’s category, and Dilana Nikiforova of Bulgaria in the women’s category.

Bronze medals went to Ventizislav Petroff of Bulgaria and Slawomir Wozniak of Poland in the men’s category, and Kathleen Arcieri, of Westfield, N.J., Valerie Robin of Milwaukee and Sylvina Perillo of Argentina in the women’s category.

Barry Hughson of Washington received a special award for partnering, and Anthony Huen of the Netherlands was awarded a prize for artistic achievement.