HILITE.ORG
33
Behind the Curtain
Youth America Grand Prix allows for opportunities despite monetary commitment, demonstrates underrated work ethic demanded in dance CHLOE SUN COLUMN, SUBMITTED PHOTO
I
t’s early in the year, and for many or dresses for contemporary solos dancers, the Youth American are also around $100. Grand Prix (YAGP) looms on However, it would be ignorant the horizon. As the world’s largest innot to acknowledge the incredible ternational student ballet competition opportunities YAGP yields. Even for and scholarship program, YAGP althose like me who don’t plan to make Scan this lows for great growth and experience, a career out of dance, the experience to read the but it comes at a price that the public of training alongside others, performdoes not often appreciate. ing on stage, getting direct feedback full column YAGP reaches over 12,000 dance from professionals, meeting other students (ages 9 to 19) annually dancers and attending master classes through semifinal competitions in makes YAGP priceless. For those 25 U.S. cities and eight international who do consider dance a career oplocations. At these regional competion, if they place in the semifinals titions, dancers perform in solos, and finals, they can be noticed partners and/or ensembles. Alby large dance companies that though these performances offer scholarships and invitaonly last for about three to five tions to participate in their minutes, preparing them often summer intensives and even takes a year or more. to join their companies. From what I have observed As a student, juggling the as a six-year participant from effort put into training and Indiana Ballet Conservafor this major comTUTU UNDERRATED preparing tory (IBC), after selecting a petition while also keeping piece to perform, under the supervision of a coach, dancers must learn or choreograph the routine and perfect each movement to the best of their ability and technique. These private rehearsals are scheduled at least twice a week, and combined with taking normal classes to stay in shape, many of the dancers of IBC spend around 10 hours a week or more working toward YAGP, building up enough stamina to endure the strain on their muscles as they perform jumps, turns and feats of the human body, all while still maintaining their character, technique and smile. With lessons, rehearsals and costumes, YAGP inevitably impacts the wallet. Entrance fees for semifinals are $95, with $110 for each solo and from $45 to $110 per person in group dances. Costumes are expensive as well—tutus range from $100 to $500, and simple leotards
up with the general school workload and clubs is incredibly demanding; however, the experience YAGP provides is well worth it. Furthermore, the amount of discipline, perseverance, time-management and confidence preparing for YAGP takes should be as appreciated as any other athletic activity. Dance is arguably a sport in its own given the physical and emotional strength as well as the training it demands, all hidden under costumes and smiles, and it deserves so much more acknowledgement and respect. h The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Chloe Sun at csun@hilite.org. UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Dancer and sophomore Chloe Sun performs her contemporary solo “Autumn Leaves” at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Regional Semifinals in Indianapolis. Sun has participated in YAGP for six years.
