America's First Scholarship Competition for Students Goes International
While directors of many dance organizations in New York have been losing sleep trying to figure out new ways to generate interest in their activities, Artistic Directors of Youth America Grand Prix have the opposite problem - there are worried about being able to handle the enormous interest that exists.
"It is wonderful and overwhelming at the same time," says Artistic Director of YAGP, Larissa Saveliev, about the tremendous success of the scholarship competition for dance students that she and her husband, Gennadi Saveliev, started three years ago. "We had no idea that it would grow so much so quickly."
Starting with an idea to create a scholarship showcase for young dance students in America, YAGP has instantly grown into an internationally known youth dance festival and scholarship central. In 2002, scholarships to 18 leading dance schools will be offered at YAGP, including scholarships to the world-renowned Royal Ballet School in London, John Cranko School of Stuttgart Ballet, Canada's National Ballet School, and a constellation of America's foremost dance schools. Other international schools have expressed interest in participating in the near future, including the famous Paris Opera Ballet.
In April of 2002, YAGP opened a semi-final in Japan, becoming not only the first American scholarship competition for students, but the very first American ballet competition in the history of Japan. Several hundred Japanese students have gathered in Sapporo, Japan, for this unprecedented event, which has become a major sensation. Meanwhile, Larissa and Gennadi are already thinking of opening YAGP competitions in other countries in the upcoming years.
Gennadi Saveliev, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of YAGP, who currently appears with the American Ballet Theater, attributes this instant success on the international level to the right idea being realized at the right time. "America needed a competition for dance students for the longest time, and so when we decided to put one together, we received an immediate and very enthusiastic support. We are especially grateful to ABT, who was the first to support this idea and to offer not only the scholarships to the ABT Summer Intensive, but also a professional contract to the ABT Studio Company as the main prize."
"The reason it really works," adds Larissa, "Is that we provide a much-needed and very valuable service to American and international dance students and schools. To the talented American dance students we give the opportunity to broaden their experience by studying at some of the best schools abroad. American dance schools have the opportunity to select talented students from all over America and from abroad for their programs. You see, everyone benefits!"
This year, Youth America Grand Prix will rise to yet a new level of prominence by holding its Final Round and the YAGP 2002 Gala at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. "Although it requires a considerable commitment," said Larissa, "We believe that dancing on the stage of one of the world's most prestigious performing arts centers will give our participants an unforgettable experience and will inspire them to achieve new heights in the art of dance." The YAGP 2002 Gala will feature performances by the winners of the competition and specially invited guest stars from ABT, NYCB and other acclaimed dance companies - Maria Kowroski, Ethan Steifel, Gennadi Saveliev, and Desmond Richardson.
All of this sudden success is definitely enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed - but what a fantastic problem to have! After all, it is wonderful to see that in these difficult times there is an organization that gives new hope for the future - and it's doing really well. More information about YAGP is available on YAGP's new website - www.yagp.org. •