High Competition Level at USA National Youth Ballet Competition 2006
Over 200 dancers from across the nation participated in the 5th biennial USA National Youth Ballet Competition, sponsored by Russian Pointe. The competition was hosted by the Washington Ballet in D.C. and by California State University in Long Beach.
"The level of competition this year was very high", commented Artistic Director Dmitri Roudnev. "We were very impressed with the beautiful training of these dancers", he said. "Even the girls and boys in the junior category were showing a high level of technique for such young dancers". He continued, "These juniors did some amazing feats. One junior competitor, Nora McGinley from the Academy of International Ballet pulled off seven pirouettes on pointe in the middle of a combination." Roudnev added, "Although McGinley won the gold medal, these kinds of tricks are not necessary to win a competition. But it did make for an exciting moment for everyone watching!" he said.
Dancers were awarded scholarships to summer programs and trainee or apprenticeships with major dance companies. New to the competition this year was the awarding of partial and full tuition scholarships to college dance programs. Mercyhurst College, Birmingham Southern, Florida School of the Arts, and University of Utah awarded scholarships to students from the Orange County Dance Center, San Elijo Dance Academy, Los Angeles Ballet Academy, and the International City School of Ballet.
Gold medallists for the 2007, DC competition were Mia Lamb, age 12 of First State Ballet Theater, Nora McGinley age 13, Academy of International Ballet, and Keenan Kampa age 17 of Conservatory Ballet. Nathan Chaney, of the Universal Ballet Academy was awarded the Best Male dancer award. Sara Murowski, of the Rock School was awarded the Outstanding Artistry Award.
Gold medallists for the 2007, California competition were Jessica Payne age 12 of Pacific Coast Academy, and Elise Miller age 14 of Yuri Girgoriev School of Ballet.
For information visit www.RussianPointe.com or contact the USA National Youth Ballet Competition/Russian Pointe office in Chicago at 734-975-2767.