HOT OFF THE PRESS! YAGP FINAL ROUND ANNOUNCEMENT & The Disappearing List!
In a flurry of confusion and maybe lack of organization, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) final round was announced LIVE inside of SUNY Purchase’s Pepsi Co Theater. But, it happened so fast, that most people didn’t even see the numbers. Whoops, they missed it, myself included.
This year celebrates YAGP’s highly publicized 25th anniversary, where they will be taking the stage at Lincoln Center, trying to break a world record, and boasting the largest scholarship opportunities the season has to offer.
So, if that wasn’t confusing enough, two different sets of numbers were published on Instagram for Seniors. Which, has happened in the past before. Whether it was people accidentally being left off, or the wrong number was circled, or the word we all hate politics. It could have been a number of things… right?
Either way, final round excitement is building for those who were selected, while the majority are feeling defeated. And the majority then starts to talk. Questions start spinning around the lobby, parent texts, and etc, “How did this person get in? Why wasn’t my child selected? It’s not fair.”
At the end of the day the jury picks who the jury wants to see put on a show at Lincoln Center. Whether or not these same jury members also have kids competing, it
While many of the final round candidates are already well-known and accomplished Prix de Lausanne Winners, International Baccalaureate Royal Ballet Scholars, ABT National Training Scholars, previous final round candidates, and Grand Prix Winners— one must ask, why are students who are currently attending YAGP Scholarship Presenting Schools being selected for final round, or to compete for that matter?
The argument is simple. These are the aspirational schools that are presenting scholarships at finals. So, why are their own students trying to leave for something else? What message is that sending?
If it is to bring accolade and prestige to the school itself through a win or bragging rights about final round, then why are they presenting scholarships?
If it is to gain a larger international recognition, then why are they not submitting or qualifying their students for Prix?
If it is to make a statement, the reality of this, is that it is taking away from those who are trying to match and place at a year-round school just for the sake of winning.
While many are just in it to win it, a lot of people have spent a lot of money getting to finals, to actually get placed, matched, and hopefully given a scholarship to one of these school to alleviate the financial burden of being at pre-professional school, and incurring the costs of competing, auditioning, and investing in social media for exposure.
I suppose the same thing could be said about PDL winners, and ABT Training Scholars, and International Baccalaureate; since they are already spoken for.
Trying to make sense of ballet is a headache. And on on that note: onwards and upwards as the hoards of young ballet dancers descend on Manhattan. Thank you Jason Coosner for the witty banter. Stay tuned for new podcasts episodes.
Don’t forget to tune in to final round via YAGP’s YOUTUBE!! Tomorrow Wednesday, April 17 4:00 PM Junior Final Round, and 8:00 PM Senior final round. Click here for tickets.
DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE EPIC PHOTOS AT THE EMPIRE.
I have officially booked a room at the Empire Hotel located across from Lincoln Center to take Vanity Fairy styled portrait photos. These epic, and social media famous shoots will take place April 18+19 from 10:00-4:00 PM in your classical costume.
In the past these photos have consisted of Maddy Pen, Brady Farrar, Tia Wenkman, Ava Arbuckle, Remie Goins, Kaeli Ware and more. These photo sessions will last about 45 minutes, including group photos, photos with your friends/others in the groups, and individual photos.
to sign up, please pay here (https://square.link/u/SC3rLUpU), and then use the sign up genius to reserve your spot (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4FAAAE2CAAF58-48704615-yagp#/)
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