Exclusive: Dancer Reveals Dreams Before 'Ballet Olympics' YAGP Competition

A Young Dancer’s Journey to the “Ballet Olympics”

A 13-year-old dancer from Pittsburgh is getting ready to perform on one of the most prestigious stages in the world of ballet — the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). Known as the “Ballet Olympics,” this competition brings together hundreds of young dancers from across the Northeast for a chance to win elite scholarships and opportunities. The event, which takes place in Sewell, New Jersey, runs from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, October 26.

Amelia Sias, who trains at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship, will be among the participants. She is joining other dancers aged 9 to 19 at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center. 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 who cannot 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.”

The Significance of YAGP

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 launching pad for many professional dancers. Each year, thousands of young performers audition for spots that can lead to training at some of the most prestigious institutions, such as the American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.

For Amelia, this is her fifth year competing in YAGP, and she has already made a name for herself. Last season, she earned the Hope Award at the Philadelphia regional competition, which honors 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 world.

“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.”

Facing the Judges

Performing in front of world-renowned judges can be intimidating, 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.”

One of the judges this year is Leanne Benjamin, a former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet. According to her YAGP biography, she values mentorship and enjoys seeing young dancers grow through opportunities like these.

Artistic Growth and Risk-Taking

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.”

Her willingness to take artistic risks has helped her stand out. Whether it’s a classical piece or something more contemporary, Amelia embraces each performance as a chance to grow and explore new aspects of her craft.

Looking Ahead

Amelia dreams of joining one of the world’s top ballet companies and continuing to develop 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, October 24, through Sunday, October 26. The event will be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media and website for free public viewing.