A Young Dancer’s Journey to the “Ballet Olympics”
A 13-year-old dancer from Pittsburgh is getting ready to step into the spotlight at an event known as the “Ballet Olympics” — the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). This prestigious competition, which brings together hundreds of young performers from across the Northeast, is taking place this weekend in Sewell, New Jersey. The event offers participants the chance to win elite scholarships and opportunities in the world of professional ballet.
Amelia Sias, who trains at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship, will be among the dancers aged 9 to 19 competing at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center from Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. This year's event is part of YAGP’s 2026 season and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media platforms for those unable to attend in person.
“I fell in love with ballet when I was really little,” Amelia shared in an exclusive interview. “It made me feel free — like I could express myself without words. That’s when I knew I wanted to take it seriously.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Youth America Grand Prix is often referred to as the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition. Since its inception in 1999, it has served as a launchpad for many professional dancers. Each year, thousands of young artists audition for spots that can lead to training at some of the most prestigious institutions, including the American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.
This is Amelia’s fifth year participating in YAGP, and she has already made a name for herself. Last season, she won the Hope Award at the Philadelphia regional competition, which recognizes the top dancer in her age division across both classical and contemporary dance. This achievement earned her a spot in the 2025 Finals, where she performed alongside peers from around the globe.
“Winning the Hope Award was one of my proudest moments,” she said. “It showed me that hard work really does pay off — and that there’s always room to keep learning.”
Navigating the Spotlight
Performing in front of world-renowned judges can be daunting, but Amelia approaches it with a sense of gratitude. “It’s nerve-wracking, but also exciting,” she explained. “These judges have danced the roles I dream of performing someday. I remind myself that this is my time to share my love for ballet with them.”
Leanne Benjamin, a YAGP judge and former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, is among those evaluating competitors this weekend. According to her YAGP biography, she values mentorship and celebrates seeing young dancers grow through opportunities like these.
For Amelia, versatility is key. She recently performed a bold variation from Gayane, a piece known for its unique hand movements and emotional complexity. “I chose it because it felt different,” she said. “It let me show another side of who I am as a dancer.”
A Future Filled with Possibilities
Looking ahead, Amelia dreams of joining one of the world’s top ballet companies and continuing to grow as both a performer and an artist. “No matter what happens this weekend, I’m just thankful to dance and learn,” she said. “That’s what YAGP is all about.”
The Youth America Grand Prix Philadelphia Semi-Finals will be held at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center in Sewell, NJ, from Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The event will also be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media and website for free public viewing.
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