JUPITER, FLA - Students from Atlantic Arts Academy returned from the Youth America Grand Prix, which took place on February 20 th - 22 nd in Orlando Florida, with 11 year old Jupiter resident Kiandra Hering earning a top 12 performance in the ballet category and the ensemble group earned an invitation to the Youth America Grand Prix finals in New York City in April. The ensemble production, entitled "Kalinka", was named for a traditional Russian dance and choreographed by Ella Yakubavich an instructor at Atlantic Arts Academy. Other Atlantic Arts students who will be heading to New York City include: Emma Gerepka, Melissa Spaeth, Laura Guley, Kiandra Hering, Alexandra Zehner, Dana Lougheed, Isabel Grabel, Savannah Courtney-Minch and Kylee Swenson.
About Atlantic Arts Academy
Atlantic Arts Academy is a performing arts center that trains over 600 students of all ages in dance, theater and music. Atlantic Arts Academy employs a staff of instructors with years of professional experience where students are not only learning from teachers that have 'studied the arts' but from teachers who have 'lived the arts'. Atlantic Arts offers an environment where students can come just to have fun or, if they desire, to pursue a professional career. They maintain a commitment to the highest standards of excellence in arts education.
About Youth America Grand Prix
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.
Now in its 10th Anniversary season, YAGP has awarded over 2 million in scholarships to the leading dance schools worldwide. 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).
Since inception, 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.