Eighteen Australian ballet students are about to test their technique and artistry at the Youth America Grand Prix, which starts today in New York. And Dance Australia will be there to follow them every step of the way!
This huge competition, which featured in the documentary First Position, now claims to be the biggest for dance students in the world. There are nearly 400 contestants altogether, chosen from auditioning more than 5000 candidates.
The Australian candidates are (in no particular order):
Chloe Hollow - Classical Coaching, Kedron, Qld
Casey Wallis - Regional Academy of Performing Arts, Wondonga, NSW
Charlee Corrie - Vanessa Lee Academy, Dapto, NSW
Isaac Madder - Studio Tibor and Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching, NSW
Zoe Cavedon - Regional Academy of Performing Arts, Wondonga, NSW
Lucy Christodoulou - Annette Roselli Dance Academy, Manly, Qld
Ruby Brazzalotto - Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, Sydney
Meg Rafinian - Turning Point Dance, Brompton, SA
Audrey Freeman - Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, Sydney,
Lania Atkins - The Dance Spot, Randwick, NSW
Talia Fidra - Classical Coaching, Kedron, Qld
Bianca Scudamore - Classical Coaching, Kedron, Qld
Ryu Bautista, McDonald College, Sydney, NSW
Lana Tramonte, Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, Sydney, NSW
Georgia Neaverson, Studio Tibor, Sydney, NSW
Vida Polakov, Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, Sydney, NSW
Fenella O’Neill, Studio Tibor, Sydney, NSW
There is also one candidate from the New Zealand School of Dance: Yayoi Matches.
CHOOKAHS to all!
DANCE AUSTRALIA will be following the students and posting news as it happens. Stay in touch with the Australian contestants on our facebook and website!
Photo is of Vida Polakov (who won the RAD Adeline Genee gold medal last year).