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Pure presence: Boston Ballet's Kathleen Breen Combes brings drama and delicacy to every step.

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The judges of the New York International Ballet Competition did something unprecedented in 2003. They awarded a prize to a dancer they had already eliminated.

Kathleen Breen Combes, a 21-year-old dancer with Washington Ballet, and her partner Jonathan Jordan were the first to perform the Bournonville duet that was taught to all participants. During practice sessions, she had wowed Elona Copen, executive director of NYIBC. "When I first saw her," says Copcn, "I thought, 'Oh my goodness, this is the quintessential ballerina!' " She had a lovely port de bras, strong legs, long lines, and to top it all off, an engaging effervescence.

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But in that first round, Combes did not perform well. "She was a bundle of nerves," recalls Copen. The young dancer was cut, but continued to perform as Jordan's partner. "In the second round she looked absolutely gorgeous," says Copen, "and the third round even more gorgeous." The judges decided to give her The Lefkowitz Award for Special Achievement, which is used on an occasional basis for outstanding work. When Copen presented her with the award, she said, "This is a first for us."

Looking back, Combes now admits that her nervousness got in the way, partly because Bournonville is not her strong suit. But she knows she pulled herself together the next time out. "I just got out there and enjoyed it...

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