Ballet Chesapeake traveled to Pittsburgh to compete in prestigious Youth America Grand Prix

On January 18, Ballet Chesapeake traveled to Pittsburgh and competed in the internationally acclaimed Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) regional semi-finals. The competition lasted for two days and included both classical and contemporary dance performances, with Ballet Chesapeake securing two places in the finals.

Ballet Chesapeake performed ‘Kaleidoscope’ and ‘Primal Light’, both choreographed by resident choreographer Shana O’Brien.  ‘Kaleidoscope’ placed in the top 12 ensembles at the semi-finals.  Company members will travel to New York this coming April to compete in the YAGP final round at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center.

“It is thrilling for our dancers to be provided the opportunity to participate in such a respected competition,” says Kaitlin Weber, Executive Director.  “Watching our dancers grow in ability and artistic maturity over the years is remarkable and having their hard work and dedication rewarded with this honor is so exciting.”

Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition, awards more than $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. In addition to the potential to win dance scholarships, the Final Round presents a unique reward to the dancers — the Koch Theater is the stage on which the New York City Ballet performs.

YAGP’s level of reputation as a showcase for dance students from America and abroad is such that even passing the preliminary round to be selected to participate in the New York City Finals gives a participant an important distinction and a boost to their professional dance career. 

Ballet Chesapeake is a non-profit organization overseen by an advisory Board of Directors who work with the artistic director and the company manager to provide administrative support for the Company. The Company’s annual season features two programs of classic favorites and new works, including the holiday tradition, The Nutcracker.

Ballet Chesapeake receives state arts funding through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and constantly seeks financial backing for the valuable art of ballet through memberships, grants, and personal and corporate donations. 

 (Source: Kait Weber / Ballet Chesapeake)

Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter