14yr old ballet dancer to represent NZ in the Youth America Grand Prix finals, New York
Lilly (14) has qualified to compete at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix Finals held in New York.
Auckland
A few days ago I was notified that I had been accepted into the Youth America Grand Prix finals 2016. I was so so happy!! It meant I was a step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer in a ballet company.
The YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix finals) is a prestigious ballet competition that goes on for a week in New York City. It is judged by a panel of 63 company and school directors from around the world who each offer scholarships to their respective school/company. Throughout the week classes are held by world renowned teachers, choreographers and ex-principal dancers. As you can imagine this is a budding dancer's ultimate dream! The competition is composed of two rounds. In the first round I will perform my contemporary and classical solos and also have a couple of classical ballet classes. The second round, also called the final round is again judged on a classical and contemporary solo and afterwards the scholarships and prizes are awarded.
I started learning ballet when I was three. Now I train 20+ hours a week (after school) in order to become a professional ballet dancer. My short-term goal is to next year be in a full-time ballet school and this competition would be the stepping stone for me to achieve this goal. However, this amazing opportunity does cost, I have already started small fundraisers with the help of friends and family but by reaching my financial goal on Givealittle it would mean I would be able to pay for flights to New York. Please please donate as it would mean the world to me!
Thank you for your time
Lilly
xxx
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Latest update
Thank you everyone!! 7 May 2016
Thank you so much to all who donated and made my dreams literally come true!! Due to your generosity I was able to go to New York last month and I came back with great results! Firstly, I got through to the final round of the finals week (Top 30 in age division) and then I got into the Top 12 for my age category (Junior Women) which are girls who are 12-14 years old. I was also offered seven scholarships in total and I have decided to take the three as follows: A scholarship to the summer school in July to Canada's National Ballet School (with the possibility of a full-time place), a scholarship for a place in the ITP program for the Australian Ballet School (with also the possibility of a full-time place) and lastly, a scholarship for a week in 2017 at the Royal Ballet School in London. Once again, thank you all so much for all your support and helping me on the way to becoming a professional ballet dancer!
Lots of love,
Lilly
xoxoxo
Latest donations
Thank you so so much Uncle Stu from me and the Maskery family!! Hopefully you'll come to NZ soon so we can all see you. This is amazing! Lilly xxx
Thank you so much Isabel for your support and kind words!! hope to see you soon, Love Lilly xxx
Thank you Al!! Hope to see you soon!! :) Lilly xxx
Thank you so much Auntie Karen, Uncle Benji and Sophie!! xox
Thank you so much! It's really appreciated! xx
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