OVERVIEW
In line with the continued growth of the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance, we are proud to offer students an exclusive opportunity to participate in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)—the world’s largest international ballet competition for students aged 9–19.

While application is open to students of the Ballet Arknasas School for Dance, participation is by invitation only and reflects a high level of dedication, technical ability, and professionalism. Team members will receive coaching from Ballet Arkansas Artistic Staff and Company Artists. This is a uniformed program, and students are responsible for wearing designated leotards and tutus (as shown above) for all YAGP classes and rehearsals.

 

ABOUT (YAGP)

YAGP provides a prestigious platform for young dancers to:

• Compete for scholarships to top-tier dance schools

• Gain performance experience in a professional setting

• Connect with industry professionals through networking and mentorship

• Participate in masterclasses led by renowned dancers and instructors

• Be seen by international talent scouts and representatives from professional companies

Many YAGP alumni go on to dance with top companies around the world. For detailed rules, visit YAGP’s official Rules & Regulations.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM HIGHTLIGHTS

YAGP classes will be held Saturdays and/or Sundays during the 25|26 season (exact dates and times to be announced July 2025).

Students will:

• Learn and refine classical variations tailored to their technical level

• Rehearse classical and contemporary solos, and a group ensemble work

• Participate in masterclasses taught by répétiteurs and stagers working with the Company

• Use Ballet Arkansas tutus for all classes and rehearsals

• Have access to exclusive Ballet Arkansas YAGP merchandise

Please note: Assigned solo variations are subject to change throughout the season based on student growth and program needs.

 

ElIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for YAGP participation, students must:

• Be enrolled in at least one weekly ballet class at the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance
  (classes at other studios do not count toward this requirement)

• Fall within the following age groups:

  • Pre-Competitive: 9–11

  • Junior: 12–14

  • Senior: 15–19

• Demonstrate:

  • Strong technical ability and artistic maturity

  • Consistent progress in training

  • A high standard of professionalism both in and out of the studio

• Remain injury-free and capable of safely performing assigned choreography

Students enrolled in two or more weekly classes are eligible for multiple solos and the ensemble work.

 

TUITION AND FEES

• Monthly Tuition covers all YAGP classes, rehearsals, and team-specific training (August 2025 – May 2026)

• Students are responsible for:

  • YAGP registration fees

  • Costume purchase or rental

  • Travel expenses

  • Optional YAGP apparel purchases

  • Additional fees for contemporary choreography, if applicable

 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership on the YAGP team is contingent upon:

• Strong class performance and rehearsal attendance

• Maintaining technical standards

• Timely tuition payments

• Professional conduct at all times

Ballet Arkansas reserves the right to remove students from the team if these standards are not met.

 

COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS

• All participants must perform a classical solo

• Contemporary solos are optional and assigned by invitation; Ballet Arkansas will assign the choreographer and coordinate staging (additional fees apply)

 

ENROLLEMENT INFORMATION

• Registration opens July 2025

• Interested dancers may enroll with Ballet Arkansas' approval

• Fall class times will be announced in July

• YAGP students will be eligible to perform in the year-end costumed concert at the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance

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YAGP INTENSIVE | JUNE 9–11, 2025
Students interested in enrolling in YAGP team activities in the fall of 2025—and current members—are invited to attend the YAGP Intensive. The intensive will introduce elements of classical variations and provide concentrated guidance at the start of the summer in advance of the summer training period. If you are enrolled at the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance, to enroll in the YAGP Intensive, you must be approved for Level 2/3 and above. *Uniforms are not required for the YAGP intensive. 

Age Groups:

• Pre-Competitive (9–11)

• Junior (12–14)

• Senior (15–19)

 

Schedule:
Monday, June 9
9:00 – 11:00 Junior Team Class
11:00 – 2:00 Junior Team Repertory

Tuesday, June 10
9:00 – 11:00 Senior Team Class
11:00 – 2:00 Senior Team Repertory

Wednesday, June 11
9:00 – 11:00 Pre-Competitive Team Class
11:00 – 2:00 Pre-Competitive Team Repertory