School Of Dance Commands International Recognition

9 July, 2004

New Zealand School Of Dance Commands International Recognition

The New Zealand School of Dance has captured the attention of the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) by becoming one of over 20 internationally renowned dance schools offering scholarships to young dancers. This is the only student ballet competition in America that awards scholarships to leading dance schools in the U.S. and abroad.

The School's involvement strengthens the Australasian link with the competition which was founded in 1999 by two former Bolshoi Ballet dancers, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev. The annual event is open to students of all nationalities, aged 9 - 19, and culminates with finals held at the Lincoln Center, in New York

Other eminent schools involved in YAGP include the Paris Opera Ballet School, Royal Ballet School, National Ballet School of Canada, San Francisco Ballet School and the Australian Ballet School.

Garry Trinder, Director of the New Zealand School of Dance, will participate in the 2005 jury and is quoted as saying, "The New Zealand School of Dance is honoured and excited to have been chosen as a YAGP scholarship presenter. The YAGP has demonstrated strong artistic vision whilst placing an overt emphasis on the educational needs of young dancers. This competition acts as a stepping stone for pre-professional students and instils the knowledge and confidence to propel them toward a career in dance."

ENDS

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