Over 500 young ballet dancers danced their hearts out on the stage of the Newman Center for the chance to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix finals.
The ballet competition was held on Sunday March 5, and 500 young ballet dancers gave it their all as they competed for the chance to dance in New York City for the Youth America Grand Prix finals. The semifinals had dancers from 55 schools in 10 states and three countries competing for scholarships to the best dance schools in the world. Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev founded the YAGP. It is the largest ballet competition in the world, with dancers varying from ages 9 to 19 participating. There are many similar competitions held throughout the world, including in Australia and Japan. [caption id="attachment_10403" align="aligncenter" width="810"]
Claire Brown, 11, waits with other dancers in the wings to perform. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)[/caption]
The New York finals start on April 7th, and over 6,000 participants from around the world will have competed. Throughout the years, the YAGP competition has seen over 50,000 dancers and has awarded over $3 million of scholarships.
Scholarship money isn't the main focus for some dancers, however. Sarah Ray, a student at the International Ballet School in Littleton, danced to improve in her abilities. "I do this for experience and the opportunity to perform and improve." She danced a fast and fun contemporary piece in the competition.
Mark Carlson, owner of the International Ballet School, teaches his students that preparing for the competition is more important than winning. It gives his dancers the chance to grow and harness their skills.
What is your favorite type of dance? Ballet? Line dancing? Freestyle? Share with us your thoughts in the comments!
