An Evening With Anne Polajenko: "Y.A.G.P. 'A Closer Look'"

http://www.yagp.org/eng/index.php

       Y.A.G.P.: THE SELECTION PROCESS

   I’ve been asked so many times about the selection process for the Youth America Grand Prix final in New York , I figured this might be appropriate time – as semi final rounds begin for 2012 – to give the following description.

   In order to reach the final rounds of Youth America Grand Prix, dancers must first compete in a semi-final round in a location of their choosing. This can be in any number of places from Brazil to Mexico, Europe, Japan and in eleven locations around the United States. Semi finals take place between Sept. 2011 and March 2012. All locations and dates are listed on the Y.A.G.P. website, www.yagp.com.

   The earliest on the schedule is usually Brazil where Marisa Pivetta of the arts organization Passo de Arte is in charge of organizing the event. Dancers may come from as far as Argentina for the several day event. In addition to competition, they have the opportunity to take classes from master teachers. The competition is open to soloists (Men and Women), pas de deux and ensembles. Each are judged in their own category.

   Solo competitors are divided into three age groups: Pre Competitive (ages 9 – 11) Juniors (ages 12 – 14) and  Seniors ( ages 15 – 19). All perform Classical Variations from a selected list and a Contemporary solo. Judges award scores based on performance but also on technique they have observed in the classes. Only competitors achieving very high scores are eligible to continue on to the New York finals. 

   Judging the competition are the representatives of the international schools offering the coveted scholarships. These are only awarded at the Gala performance concluding the final rounds in New York. This year’s panel in Brazil included:

 

Tara Mitton Catao from the Harid Conservatory – USA
Christine Gunn – New Zealand School of Dance
Luca Massala – Princess Grace Academy Ballet - Monaco
Tadeusz Matasz – John Cranko School – Stuttgart Ballet - Germany
Nancy Raffa – American Ballet Theatre – JKO School – USA
Carlos dos Santos Jr. – Alvin Ailey School – USA

   30+ international judges rotate for semi final rounds. Eventually all will come together in New York.

   To view a video and learn more about Passo de Arte and the Brazilian portion of the Y.A.G.P. international selection process, go to www.passodearte.com.br.

   2003 was the first year dancers from Brazil participated in the New York final rounds. With Anne Polajenko of So’Dança (bottom center) are a few of that year’s big winners:

Daniel Deivison (San Francisco Ballet School, now a company soloist) at the back right;

Paulo Arrais Neto (Paris Opera Ballet school, now soloist with Boston Ballet) behind Anne; Isabella Gasparini – Gold Medal Juniors (National Ballet of Canada School) next to Anne, and Flavia Carlos – Silver Medal Juniors – next to Paulo.

   --- Anne Polajenko

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     And here we are, the weekend is at hand, let us go out and rejoice in the awesomeness that will occur, hope you all had a fantastic week and hope you have a glorious weekend, 

 Love from your humble blogger,

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: "Y.A.G.P."

http://www.yagp.org/eng/index.php

 DANCERS WORLDWIDE COMPETE FOR PLACES IN THE Y.A.G.P. FINALS

    It’s that time of year again! Thousands of dancers all over the globe are traveling to the Youth America Grand Prix semi - finals in Brazil, Europe, Japan, Mexico and the United States in the hope of qualifying for the New York finals in April 2012. In its thirteen - year existence, Y.A.G.P. has become the definitive place to be seen and, more importantly, it is the one place where a future career can be made.

     Launched in 1999 by two former dancers of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities 9-19 years old.

   Youth America Grand Prix has become an internationally known meeting place for dance students and teachers, where they can exchange ideas, share their experience and learn the most up-to-date information on a variety of issues in ballet and contemporary dance. 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. Over 25,000 dancers worldwide have participated in YAGP’s international workshops, competitions, and audition classes. Over 200 YAGP alumni are now dancing with 50 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others. YAGP’s contributions to international dance education were recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with a membership in UNESCO’s prestigious Conseil International de la Danse (CID).

Photo: Isabella Maylart, 13, wins 2004 Youth Grand Prix

  THE BRAZILIAN CONNECTION

  So”Dança has been involved as a major Y.A.G.P. sponsor for a number of years both in Brazil and the United States. Our commitment to the advancement of the art form and its aspiring performers has assisted many a young dancer achieve their dream of being seen by the directors of the major schools and companies in the world. Currently, countless Brazilian dancers are studying or performing with major schools and companies after receiving coveted scholarships through YA.G.P. A few of these success stories are:

Isabella Gasparini – Gold Medal 2003  (scholarship to National Ballet of Canada)

Daniel Deivison –   Full scholarship to San Francisco Ballet, now a company Soloist

Paulo Arrais Neto – Full scholarships to Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet and now

                                Soloist with Boston Ballet

Isabella Maylart –  Winner Youth Grand Prix 2006. (Full scholarship to School of the 

                               Stuttgart Ballet)

Irlan Santos -         Full scholarship to ABT II and star of the film Only When I Dance

Mayara Magri –     Winner Y.A.G.P.  2011 Grand Prix and Prix de Lausanne

   For more information and results of the recently completed 2012 semi-finals in Brazil, go to www.yagp.com and click on the Brazilian flag

         -- Anne Polajenko

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    We hope you have a fantastic week, and make sure to check out the YAGP website for info, pics and more!

  Love from your humble blogger,