Hundreds of dancers aged 9 to 19 convened in Carmel in March for YAGP Indianapolis, the Midwest regional portion of the annual Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Competition, the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition.
During the annual event, junior, senior, and pre-professional dance students competed within the categories of contemporary solo, classical solo, duet, trio, large and small group ensembles, and Pas De Deux for prizes, scholarships, and invitations to join world-renowned ballet companies. Additionally, dancers also are offered a series of free masterclasses as part of the YAGP experience.
More than two dozen En Pointe Indiana Ballet dancers participated, most from the greater Hamilton County area and two out-of-state pre-professionals studying with En Pointe. Several won awards and accolades, including:
- Sarah Lusetti (Reno, Nev.) & Luke Eller (Ypsilanti, Mich.) – First Place Pas De Deux
- Joey Moore of Noblesville – First Place Men’s Classical Solo
- Luke Eller of Ypsilanti, Mich.– Second Place Men’s Classical Solo
- Sarah Lusetti of Reno, Nev. – Third Place Senior Classical Solo
- Lilly Besner of Whiteland, Ind. – Top 24 Senior Classical Solo
- Abby Burnette of Noblesville – Top 24 Senior Classical Solo
- Bella Gomillion of Noblesville – Top 12 Junior Classical Solo
- John Paul Pack of Carmel – Top 12 Junior Classical Solo
- Bella Gomillion of Noblesville – Top 24 Junior Contemporary Solo
- Lily Belle McKamie of Noblesville – Top 12 Pre-Competitive Classical Solo
“We are incredibly proud of our En Pointe dancers,” Co-Artistic Director Robert Moore said. “YAGP is always an amazing experience for our dance family and allows our dancers to showcase their love for the art. We applaud their dedication and hard work and are honored to know our school is one of the top within central Indiana.”
Co-Owner Chris Moore added, “En Pointe prides itself on high-quality training, strong technique and artistry. We are elated to have so many of our dancers participate and place at the regional YAGP competition.”
Public’s chance to see En Pointe’s award-winning dancers
The public will have two chances to see several of the YAGP award winners front and center at original performances this May.
- The first, at En Pointe’s original narrative of The Adventures in Alice in Wonderland on Friday, May 12 and 13 at Anderson University’s Reardon Auditorium
- The second, through a very special grant from the Fishers Arts and Cultural Commission on Saturday May 20 at Fishers High School Auditorium.
Find tickets at enpointe.yapsody.com.
About En Pointe Indiana Ballet
En Pointe Indiana Ballet is a classical ballet school offering high-quality training to students aged 3 to 22. As a central Indiana dance studio, En Pointe serves Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Geist, Zionsville, and dance students from surrounding areas. Additionally, En Pointe is proud to have pre-professional dancers from across the globe study with the studio and prominent guest instructors visit annually. Learn more at EnPointeIndiana.com.