The Hartt Community Division III Level 5 and 6 Repertory Ensemble students recently participated in the Boston Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). They performed nine classical variations, three contemporary solos and one contemporary group piece and “performed beautifully,” as described by Sarkis Kaltakhtchian, artistic and education director for HCD Dance. Level 6 student, Cecily Reed, placed in the top 12 of the Classical category, and Level 6 student, Maura McGuire, placed in the top 24 of the Classical category. Maura has since been invited to attend the YAGP finals in NY.
The Youth America Grand Prix hosts ballet and contemporary dance competitions, and offers dance students the unique opportunity to be seen by the leading faculty of the world’s top dance organizations. It has grown to become the largest and one of the most influential dance competitions in the world.
In addition to their high standings in YAGP, both Cecily and Maura participated in the Universal Ballet Competition this past weekend and have qualified for finals. Cecily placed 2nd in the Senior Classical category, receiving platinum for both performed variations, La Esmerelda and Le Corsair. She was also awarded a full scholarship to the Tulsa Ballet Summer Intensive and a partial scholarship to The Rock Summer Intensive. Maura placed 13th in the Classical category, receiving platinum for her Nikiya variation from La Bayadere, high gold for her Raymonda variation, and high gold for her contemporary solo. She was also awarded a scholarship to the Complexions Summer Intensive.