Nate Guidry

In Focus: Youth America Grand Prix ballet competiton

The biggest ballet competition in the world came to Pittsburgh last weekend, as Youth America Grand Prix held semifinals at Upper St. Clair High School. Nearly 400 females and males from Pennsylvania and 10 other states competed in categories including "pre-competitive" (ages 9 to 11), junior (ages 12 to 14), and senior (15 and older). Top winners were chosen to move on to the finals in April in New York City, where YAGP is based. YAGP awards more than $250,000 a year in scholarships to send young dancers to leading schools and dance companies to continue their training. Selected competitors will continue on to the finals in New York City. Every participant went home with evaluation forms from each judge, and they also could take master classes from some of them at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. View The Gallery >