BEHIND THE CURTAIN

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

Scan this to read the full column t’s early in the year, and for many dancers, the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) looms on the horizon. As the world’s largest international student ballet competition and scholarship program, YAGP allows for great growth and experience, but it comes at a price that the public does not often appreciate.

YAGP reaches over 12,000 dance students (ages 9 to 19) annually through semifinal competitions in 25 U.S. cities and eight international locations. At these regional competitions, dancers perform in solos, partners and/or ensembles. Although these performances only last for about three to five minutes, preparing them often takes a year or more.

From what I have observed as a six-year participant from Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC), after selecting a 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 I

TUTU UNDERRATED or dresses for contemporary solos are also around $100.

However, it would be ignorant not to acknowledge the incredible opportunities YAGP yields. Even for those like me who don’t plan to make a career out of dance, the experience of training alongside others, performing on stage, getting direct feedback from professionals, meeting other dancers and attending master classes makes YAGP priceless. For those who do consider dance a career option, if they place in the semifinals and finals, they can be noticed by large dance companies that offer scholarships and invitations to participate in their summer intensives and even to join their companies.

As a student, juggling the effort put into training and preparing for this major competition while also keeping

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Chloe Sun at csun@hilite.org. 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

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.