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YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX
2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
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| Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are so grateful to have you as members of the YAGP family - you are the key to opening doors for young dancers and helping YAGP achieve its mission to ensure the future of dance. We hope that the New Year ahead is filled with joyous moments for you - as you provide the opportunity for so many young dancers to realize their dreams. As we enter the 2016 season with 17 regional semi-finals across the U.S. and 6 international auditions, we would like to share with you some of the highlights that have made 2015 our most successful year to date. We hope you enjoy this retrospective and look forward to seeing you in the upcoming season.
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YAGP: United Nations of Dance
Providing educational and performance opportunities has always been at the heart of YAGP's mission to ensure the future of dance - and the 2015 season was no exception, with record numbers of international participants arriving from 35 countries to participate in YAGP.
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International Semi-Finals
Building a global network of dance is key to YAGP's mission to support and develop world-class dancers, and each year our international Semi-Finals continue to expand. This year, YAGP traveled to six international locations, where thousands of students auditioned for scholarships and other prizes. Among the six international dance centers was a new location in Beijing, People's Republic of China. To see more information about dates please click here.
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Antonio Casalinho, YAGP Paris Semi-Finals
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Victoria Papa, YAGP Buenos Aires Semi-Finals
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Elizabeth Platel, Director of Paris Opera Ballet School, and Larissa Saveliev awarding scholarships in Paris
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Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet School teaching masterclass in Beijing
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Ramona De Saa, Director of Cuba's National Ballet School teaching masterclass in Cordoba
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| Yuri Fateev, Director of the Mariinsky Ballet, teaching Masterclass in Osaka |
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Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet School awarding scholarships in Osaka
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YAGP traveled to 15 cities across the United States, giving the opportunity for more than 5,000 hopeful young dancers to audition for scholarships in training programs around the world. The Las Vegas regional was added in 2015 to reach an even greater number of aspiring young dance students.
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2015 Tampa Senior Gold Medalist, Austen Acevedo
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| 2015 Tampa Grand Prix winner, Nicole Fanney |
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| 2015 Atlanta Senior Gold Medalist, Caitlin Gish |
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| Bruce Marks welcomes YAGP 2015 Tampa Finalists to the YAGP family |
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The Finals Week in New York City
After seeing thousands of students worldwide, the YAGP jury panel hand-selected the most promising young dancers for a week-long series of auditions and performances at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, which culminated in The Final Round at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
Over 300
scholarships totaling more than $550,000 were offered to students to attend major dance schools worldwide.
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| Seventeen-year-old Rio Anderson was the 2015 Senior Women's Silver Medalist and was subsequently offered a year-round academic scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London, where she currently studies. |
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Fourteen-year-old Shin Yong Kim of Korea was awarded the title of Youth Grand Prix at the 2015 YAGP Finals and is now studying at the San Francisco Ballet School
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| Twelve-year-old YAGP 2015 Junior Gold Medalist, Juliette Bosco received recognition and a prize sponsored by Madame Makarova |
One of the greatest ballerinas of our time, Natalia Makarova has been a long-time friend of YAGP and an avid supporter of its mission. In 2012, YAGP hosted an evening in honor of Madame Makarova, as part of our Legends in Dance series. This year Makarova began a new tradition, establishing a fund for an annual award to be given to an outstanding female dancer during the YAGP Finals. In 2015, Juliette Bosco became the first recipient of this generous gift.
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YAGP 2015 Gala
"Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow"
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The YAGP 2015 Gala on April 16th at
Lincoln Center's
David H. Koch Theater once again confirmed its reputation among the press as
"the highlight of the New York ballet season" as stated by the late Clive Barnes. The annual Gala featured the world premiere of Minuet in D Minor with choreography by Emery LeCrone and the New York Premiere of Windy Sand - featuring choreography by Alexei Kremnev, an original score by Karen LeFrak, and costumes designed by YAGP Board Member and 2016 Gala Co-Chair B Michael. International superstar Paloma Herrera danced in Mauricio Wainrot's Verano Porteño, a US Premiere, and YAGP's "Emerging Choreographer Series" presented the World Premiere of a ballet by Anton Pimonov. The program featured the New York professional debut of two YAGP alumni, the Royal Ballet's Melissa Hamilton and The Mariinsky Ballet's Kimin Kim. The evening was hosted by Julie Kent and Jared Angle.
YAGP 2015 GALA FEATURED ARTISTS:
ISABELLA BOYLSTON*
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
PALOMA HERRERA
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
CALVIN ROYAL III*
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
EVGENIA OBRAZTSOVA BOLSHOI BALLET
SEMYON CHUDIN
BOLSHOI BALLET
DENYS DROZDYUK INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM CHAMPION
ANTONINA SKOBINA INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM CHAMPION
WINDY SAND ENSEMBLE
JOFFREY BALLET
KIMIN KIM*
MARIINSKY BALLET
XANDER PARISH*
MARIINSKY BALLET
KRISTINA SHAPRAN
MARIINSKY BALLET
TERESA REICHLEN
NEW YORK CITY BALLET
ZACHARY CATAZARO*
NEW YORK CITY BALLET
JUAN PABLO LEDO
TEATRO COLON
MELISSA HAMILTON*
THE ROYAL BALLET
ERIC UNDERWOOD
THE ROYAL BALLET
*indicates YAGP Alumni
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| Kimin Kim and Isabella Boylston in a Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire |
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| Paloma Herrera and Veronica Bulgari |
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Calvin Royal III and Kristina Shapran in 'Double Polka,' a co-production between YAGP
and The Mariinsky Ballet
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Jamee Gregory, David Koch, Karen LeFrak, and Woody Allen
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Hailey Baldwin, Amy Astley, Bella Thorne, and Hamish Bowles
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David Hallberg Presents: LEGACY
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Celebrated international ballet star, David Hallberg, offered an intimate look at world-renowned ballet companies as they performed varied and rarely seen contemporary works, representative of each preeminent institution. Hallberg shared an insider's perspective on these works and institutions that have left an indelible mark on him as an artist. The program
included performances by dancers from The Mariinsky Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, The Australian Ballet, and the Tokyo Ballet in its U.S. Debut. It also featured ABT Studio Company, where Hallberg started his tenure with American Ballet Theatre. The LEGACY Gala featured works by Pierre Lacotte, Stephen Baynes, Maurice Bejart, Jean-Christophe Maillot, and Yuri Smekalove, among others.
David Hallberg became a member of American Ballet Theatre's Studio Company in September 2000, joining ABT's Corps de Ballet in April 2001. He was promoted to Soloist in January 2004 and became a Principal Dancer in May 2005. In 2011 Hallberg became the first American dancer to join the Bolshoi Ballet as a Premier Danceur. He currently continues to perform with both companies. His repertoire with the Bolshoi Ballet includes leading roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker.
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Amber Scott and Rudy Hawkes, Australian Ballet
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| Irina Dvorovenko in Carmel, IN |
YAGP firmly believes that performing is a key part of a dancer's education, and has partnered on Galas around the world to provide YAGP participants with much-needed live performance opportunities. This year YAGP dancers had a chance to perform at star-studded Galas in Tampa, FL; Carmel, IN; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
On January 10, 2015,
YAGP traveled to Tampa, Florida, for a third consecutive year
of Semi-Final auditions and Gala performances. The organization
will return to Tampa on Saturday, January 9, 2016,
for the annual Semi-Finals and Gala, which will be presented by the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and hosted by New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer, Daniel Ulbricht.
On May 31, 2015, YAGP presented its first Gala in Carmel, Indiana. The program included local winners from the YAGP 2015 Semi-Finals, YAGP 2015 NY Finalists, YAGP Alumni, and stars from American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, New York City Ballet, and MOMIX.
YAGP participated in a gala organized by 2016 Gala Co-Chair and West Coast Ambassador, Christina Lyon, in Mexico on June 13 - 14, 2015. YAGP Alumni, Artists and participants danced at two sold-out performances, the proceeds of which supported arts programs and enriched the lives of young dancers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
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YAGP 2015 Junior Gold Medalist, Maggie Chadbourne, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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| Kristina Shapran of the Mariinsky Ballet in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico |
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| Sascha Radetsky and Stella Abrera in Tampa, FL |
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Youth America Grand Prix is thrilled to announce the launch of its membership program, the First Position Club, which gives its members an exclusive "behind the scenes" view into the world of dance.
Club members are invited to attend events in
YAGP's Behind-the-Scenes Series, where they can personally interact with the artists, directors, educators, and other celebrated leaders of the dance community.
First Position Club members support YAGP's mission to ensure the future of dance by nurturing the dance artists and leaders of tomorrow.
Click here for more information about the First Position Club
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YAGP Alumni and ABT dancers, J
amie Kopit, Katherine Williams, and Gabe Stone Shayer, with ABT Principal, Gillian Murphy and YAGP Director of External Affairs, Sergey Gordeev at the First Position Club Launch Party
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YAGP Alumni Company Promotions,
Awards, and Honors
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Every year, YAGP alumni join some of the leading dance companies around the world, setting an example in dedication and artistry for future generations of dancers. In 2015, a number of YAGP alumni received exciting promotions and honors, and those included below are among the many dancers who have advanced in their careers this year. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these dancers and wish them continued success. For a full list of alumni success stories, please click here.
Promotions
American Ballet Theatre
Skylar Brandt - promoted to Soloist
Jeffrey Cirio - joined as a Soloist
Boston Ballet
Diana Albrecht - promoted to Second Soloist
Irlan Silva - promoted to Second Soloist
Junxiong Shao - promoted to Second Soloist
Mariinsky Ballet
Kimin Kim - promoted to Principal Dancer
New York City Ballet
Lauren Lovette - promoted to Principal Dancer
Ashly Isaacs - promoted to Soloist
Paris Opera Ballet
Hannah O'Neill - promoted to Premier Danseur
Katherine Higgins - promoted to Coryphee
Royal Ballet
Meaghan Grace Hinkis - promoted to Soloist
Marcelino Sambé - promoted to Soloist
YAGP Alumni recognized by Dance Magazine among the 2015 Top 25 to Watch
Myles Thatcher - Ballet Choreographer
Jim Nowakowski - Dancer, 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 12 Tour
Sterling Baca - Corps Member, American Ballet Theatre
Nayara Lopes - Dancer, Dance Theatre of Harlem
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| YAGP and "Blue Bird"- Russia's national competition for young artists |
This year YAGP continued to expand its global network of opportunity for young dancers and joined forces with Russia's nationwide "Blue Bird" competition for young artists. As a partner, YAGP has awarded the Blue Bird competition winner,
Alesia Lazareva, a scholarship for short-term study at the Princess Grace Academy of Classical Dance in Monte-Carlo, as well as a chance to perform at the 2016 Gala de Danza in Cabo San Lucas. YAGP would like to thank the Director of the Princess Grace Academy, Luca Masala, and the Artistic Director of Gala de Danza, Christina Lyon, for making this possible.
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Alesia Lazareva, Blue Bird Competition
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YAGP's Story Brought to Moscow
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YAGP's Founder and Artistic Director, Larissa Saveliev was invited to participate in a discussion organized by the esteemed Russian ballet critics' circle in Moscow on December 14, 2015 at the Bakhrushin Museum. Larissa brought YAGP's story to Moscow as she spoke about the founding of YAGP and the organization's growth over the past sixteen years to become the world's largest scholarship audition for students ages 9-19. The presentation included several exclusive videos of YAGP alumni performances. Previous guests of the critic's circle include Diana Vishneva and Jean Christoph Maillot, among many of the most important voices in the ballet world, and it was a distinct honor for Larissa to have been invited to speak.
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| Larissa Saveliev at the Bakhrushin Museum in Moscow, with host Olga Mamontova |
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Theater Night at An American in Paris
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On March 17, 2015, YAGP invited its patrons to a special evening with the choreographer and director of Broadway's Tony Award-Winning hit musical, "An American in Paris." YAGP's Barbara Brandt led a conversation with Mr. Wheeldon, which offered the guests an intimate behind-the-scenes look into the creation of this successful revival. Mr. Wheeldon shared personal anecdotes and unique insights behind the creative process. After a private reception with Mr. Wheeldon, the guests were treated to the performance at The Palace Theater featuring New York City Ballet's Robert Fairchild and The Royal Ballet's Leanne Cope.
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| Barbara Brandt and Christopher Wheeldon |
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Elizabeth Papadopoulos
and Christopher Wheeldon
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| Sergey Gordeev and Christopher Wheeldon |
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"The Making of a Costume"
with Lauren Lovette, Chase Finlay, Andrea Schermoly, B Michael, and Catherine Hurlin
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On February 9, 2015, YAGP held its annual scholarship fundraiser at New York
City Center. Hosted by Barbara Brandt, YAGP Chairman Emeritus, the evening
offered the audience a chance to join New York City Ballet dancers Chase Finlay
and Lauren Lovette, YAGP Alumna, choreographer Andrea Schermoly, and
fashion designer and YAGP Board member B Michael as they explored the
process of creating costumes for ballet. B Michael captivated audiences with the
live creation of a costume on Catherine Hurlin, YAGP Alumna and American
Ballet Theatre dancer. Ms. Brandt moderated a panel discussion with the
dancers, choreographer, and designer, questioning the dedication, process, and
artistry that the creation of a ballet entails. The evening ended with a lively
auction of the dress B Michael had created, and all proceeds from the
event benefited the YAGP Scholarship Fund. The generous patron who won the auction immediately gave the costume to Catherine Hurlin, the young dancer modeling the creation.
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| Richard Osterweil, Barbara Brandt, B Michael, and Catherine Hurlin |
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Lauren Lovette and Chase Finlay
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YAGP Welcomes New Board Members
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This year, YAGP welcomed two new Board members: Suzanne Dance and Dr. Shirley Madhère-Weil. Suzanne and Shirley both share a passion for dance and have already begun bringing new ideas to our organization, serving as Co-Chairs for the 2016 "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" Gala.
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| Dr. Shirley Madhère-Weil's medical practice is aimed at balancing and integrating concepts of total wellness to practice a multidisciplinary approach to holistic plastic surgery. |
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| Suzanne Dance is a Managing Director and Private Banker at Citi Private Bank. |
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In Loving Memory of Shelley King (1951 - 2015)
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YAGP dedicates the 2016 season to the loving memory of Shelley King - who, as our Director of Operations for 12 years, changed countless young artists' lives by helping them realize their dreams of becoming professional dancers. As we continue to honor Shelley's dedication and passionate love for dance, we ask that you join us in celebrating her indomitable spirit.
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New Staff Members Join YAGP
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This season YAGP welcomed eight new staff members to the YAGP team.
Billie Buddenhagen and
Justin Sebesta have joined in the Regional Office to manage registration and communications with teachers, schools, parents, and participants. As a former General Manager of Ballet Austin, Billie brings a wealth of professional experience to our organization - and, as a ballet mom herself, she has a thorough understanding of the perspective of participants, parents, and teachers. She joined YAGP as Regional Director, alongside Justin as Regional Manager.
Samantha Canedy,
Catherine Fowle, and
Elina Mirmelshteyn have joined the regional team, assisting Billie and Justin during the YAGP 2016 Season.
Long time friend of YAGP,
Svetlana Mirmelshteyn, has joined YAGP full time working with Billie and Justin in the Regional Office and taking on the role of bookkeeper in the New York Administrative Office. Svetlana has previously worked with YAGP in Stage Management and various other administrative roles.
Victoria Campbell has joined the Administrative team in the New York Office as Co-Development Manager. Victoria previously worked in non-profit development in her hometown of Chicago, IL.
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Photos courtesy of VAM, Greg Partanio, Patrick McMullan, Xander Parish, Alexei Moskalenko, Andres Acevedo, and Dasha Korol
Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Youth America Grand Prix. Don't forget to add lziegler@yagp.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
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