Youth America Grand Prix

For aspiring young dancers in New Jersey and across the globe, the name "Youth America Grand Prix" (YAGP) resonates as a beacon of opportunity. Established in 1999 by Gennadi and Larissa Saveliev, YAGP is not just a competition; it's the world's largest non-profit international youth ballet and contemporary dance competition and scholarship program. With its headquarters in New York and a significant presence, including an office address here in New Jersey, YAGP serves as a crucial bridge, connecting talented young dancers aged 9-19 with leading dance schools and companies worldwide, regardless of their economic, ethnic, or geographic backgrounds.

YAGP's mission is clear: to support and develop world-class dancers by providing unparalleled scholarship auditions, performance opportunities, and educational experiences. Over the past two decades, YAGP has awarded over $5 million in scholarships, with up to $500,000 now distributed annually. More than 500 YAGP alumni are currently dancing with over 100 professional companies globally, including prestigious institutions like American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and The Royal Ballet. For New Jersey dancers, this means access to a vital network that can truly launch a professional career. It's an organization that not only recognizes raw talent but also provides the pathways and resources necessary for that talent to flourish.

While Youth America Grand Prix is headquartered in New York City, it maintains a significant presence and influence that directly impacts dancers in New Jersey. Their listed address at 4 North St #400, Waldwick, NJ 07463, USA indicates a key administrative or operational base within our state. This location in Waldwick, Bergen County, makes it an accessible point of contact for New Jersey families and dance studios who wish to engage with YAGP's programs and seek information.

Accessibility to YAGP's resources and opportunities extends beyond this specific office location. As an international organization, YAGP strategically holds regional semi-finals and workshops in numerous cities across the United States and globally. For New Jersey dancers, this means that regional events are often held in accessible East Coast locations, such as Philadelphia or within the greater New York metropolitan area, minimizing travel burdens for participants and their families. These regional events provide invaluable opportunities for local dancers to be seen by an international panel of judges and school representatives without having to travel across the country for initial auditions. The ability for New Jersey dancers to participate in these geographically convenient events is a significant advantage, allowing them to pursue high-level training and scholarship opportunities right from our own backyard.

Youth America Grand Prix offers a comprehensive suite of services and opportunities designed to foster the growth and development of young dancers:

• Scholarship Auditions: YAGP hosts the world's largest network of scholarship auditions, connecting students with leading dance academies globally. Over $500,000 in scholarships are awarded annually.
• International Ballet and Contemporary Dance Competition: Providing a platform for dancers aged 9-19 to showcase their skills in both classical ballet and contemporary dance categories, including solo, pas de deux, and ensemble performances.
• Regional Semi-Finals: Events held in approximately 30 U.S. cities and 10 international locations, making the competition accessible to a wide range of students. These events typically include competition rounds, master classes, and audition opportunities.
• New York City Finals: The culmination of each season, where selected dancers from regional semi-finals are invited to compete, take master classes, and audition for a wide array of scholarships and professional contracts. The Finals provide unparalleled exposure to directors of the world's leading ballet companies and schools.
• Master Classes: Throughout the regional semi-finals and especially at the New York Finals, master classes are taught by distinguished jury panel members and industry professionals, providing invaluable training and insights.
• Educational Opportunities: Beyond the competition, YAGP offers educational resources and workshops aimed at enhancing a dancer's knowledge and understanding of the dance world.
• Performance Opportunities: Including the prestigious "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" Gala in New York City, where YAGP finalists perform alongside principal dancers from major companies (many of whom are YAGP alumni).
• Alumni Services: A dedicated network and resources for YAGP alumni, connecting them with opportunities and supporting their careers in dance and other fields.
• Need-Based Support: YAGP offers need-based stipends and housing assistance through its scholarship program to ensure that talented individuals from all economic backgrounds can participate.
• Global Network of Dance: Serving as a vital connector between students, teachers, schools, dance companies, dancers, and audiences worldwide.

Youth America Grand Prix is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its unparalleled impact on the world of dance:

• Proven Track Record of Success: Since its founding in 1999, YAGP has propelled over 500 alumni into professional careers with more than 100 top ballet companies globally. Over 100 of these alumni have achieved soloist or principal dancer status, a testament to the program's effectiveness as a career launchpad.
• Largest Global Network: YAGP is recognized as the world's largest student ballet competition and scholarship program, offering a vast network of opportunities and connections.
• Exceptional Scholarship Opportunities: Annually, over $500,000 in scholarships are awarded to the world's leading dance academies, providing crucial financial support for promising young dancers. Over $5 million has been awarded to date.
• High-Caliber Judging Panel: The competitions and master classes feature a distinguished panel of judges comprising directors, choreographers, and educators from elite ballet schools and companies worldwide.
• Inclusivity: YAGP is committed to supporting dancers aged 9-19 from "all economic, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds," actively working to remove barriers to access for talented individuals.
• "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" Gala: This annual gala is a highlight of the New York ballet season, featuring performances by current ballet stars (often YAGP alumni) alongside the most promising young finalists, offering invaluable exposure.
• Adaptability and Support in Crises: YAGP demonstrated remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by swiftly transitioning to virtual programming, and notably, played a critical role in relocating and supporting over 200 Ukrainian dance students amidst the war, placing them in partner schools globally.
• Recognized Credential: Participation and success at YAGP are widely recognized within the dance world as a significant credential, opening doors to advanced training and professional opportunities.
• Guinness World Record Holder: In 2024, YAGP celebrated its 25th anniversary by setting a Guinness World Record for "Most Dancers En Pointe" at the iconic Plaza Hotel, further cementing its global recognition.
• Official Recognition: The United States Senate has officially recognized YAGP as America's National Youth Dance Competition, highlighting its importance to the nation's cultural landscape.

For general inquiries, information about upcoming competitions, or to connect with Youth America Grand Prix, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 4 North St #400, Waldwick, NJ 07463, USA

Phone: (201) 444-3121

For aspiring dancers and their families in New Jersey, Youth America Grand Prix is an indispensable resource and a pivotal stepping stone. Its suitability for our local community is rooted in its mission to identify, nurture, and propel young talent onto the global stage. While its headquarters are in New York City, YAGP's direct presence through its New Jersey office and its widespread regional semi-finals ensure that high-level opportunities are realistically accessible to our state's promising dancers. This means New Jersey students don't always have to travel far to be seen by directors from the world's most prestigious ballet schools and companies.

The significant scholarships offered annually directly alleviate financial burdens, making world-class training more attainable for talented individuals, regardless of their economic background. Furthermore, the extensive alumni network and the consistent success of YAGP participants in securing professional contracts demonstrate a clear pathway to a dance career that is tangible and proven. For New Jersey's young ballet and contemporary dancers who are serious about their art, YAGP provides not just a competition, but a comprehensive platform for education, performance, mentorship, and career advancement, truly making it a local powerhouse with a global reach.

Youth America Grand Prix

4 North St #400, Waldwick, NJ 07463, USA