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Newsletter Summer 2021

Dear Friends, Having just finished our last event of the 2021 Season, we invite you to join us in taking a look back at some of the remarkable achievements of the year. In May, what had seemed like a complete impossibility became possible: over 800 talented young dancers from all over the United States gathered – safely – in Tampa, Florida, for the YAGP 2021 U.S. Season Finals. It was an emotional coming together of dancers, teachers, YAGP judges, guest artists, and other members of the YAGP community more than a year in the making – and became the largest LIVE dance event in the U.S. since the pandemic. YAGP is the only major student ballet competition that has kept its stage open during the pandemic. Between November 2020 and July 2021, YAGP conducted LIVE semi-final events at 26 cities across the country and at 10 international locations. This was no small feat, but we felt we owed it to our participants, who have shown dedication and resilience like never before – training in their kitchens, garages, and living rooms through the many months of lockdowns and travel restrictions. As a result, more than 5,000 young dancers had the opportunity to perform LIVE throughout the season, and dancers from around the world auditioned for scholarships to the world’s leading dance academies in live or virtual events, all of which were broadcast online – free of charge – to the entire global dance community. YAGP was able to keep dancers dancing all over the globe at a time when it mattered most, and we owe it to you: our participants, parents, teachers, schools, supporters and friends worldwide. Thank you for helping us ensure and celebrate the future of dance. Because of you, it has never been brighter.